Article type
Abstract
Background: Currently, a clinical practice guideline consisting of 32 sets has been developed to help healthcare professionals treat patients with functional constipation using various acupuncture-related treatments such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupressure, auricular acupressure, transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation, and moxibustion.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the applicability of the clinical practice guideline of acupuncture-related treatments for mitigating patients’ functional constipation.
Methods: The survey used a questionnaire to collect feedback from 30 participants in northern Taiwan. Participants included physicians, nurses, and patients. They were asked to rate each item in the guideline on a Likert scale of 1 to 5, with 5 indicating strong agreement and 1 indicating strong disagreement. Any item that did not meet the 80% agreement rate was discussed by the research team to determine whether to keep or remove it from the guideline. The participants were also given an opportunity to provide their thoughts and suggestions.
Results: The average age of participants was between 34.5 and 42.9 years. Of these, physicians and patients agree on overall practices at 80%, while nurses have a higher agreement rate of 90%. All questions from physicians and nurses received 80% to 100% agreement, with no disagreement. However, 10% of patients had strong disagreements with Question 3, while another 10% disagreed with Questions 1 and 4.
Conclusion: This study confirmed that the clinical practice guidelines can provide evidence-based acupuncture-related treatments for patients suffering from functional constipation. The majority of participants either agreed or strongly agreed with the guideline's applicability. Constipation is a complex issue influenced by various factors, such as lifestyle, dietary habits, and gut function. Therefore, a single treatment method may not completely resolve the problem. Non-pharmacological treatments are required in addition to pharmacological ones. Patients of participants have high expectations of receiving professional guidance to ensure that their treatment is effective and safe. It is important to note that the patients may not always perceive their quality of life as improved, even if treatment is successful. They still require additional help due to improved living conditions.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the applicability of the clinical practice guideline of acupuncture-related treatments for mitigating patients’ functional constipation.
Methods: The survey used a questionnaire to collect feedback from 30 participants in northern Taiwan. Participants included physicians, nurses, and patients. They were asked to rate each item in the guideline on a Likert scale of 1 to 5, with 5 indicating strong agreement and 1 indicating strong disagreement. Any item that did not meet the 80% agreement rate was discussed by the research team to determine whether to keep or remove it from the guideline. The participants were also given an opportunity to provide their thoughts and suggestions.
Results: The average age of participants was between 34.5 and 42.9 years. Of these, physicians and patients agree on overall practices at 80%, while nurses have a higher agreement rate of 90%. All questions from physicians and nurses received 80% to 100% agreement, with no disagreement. However, 10% of patients had strong disagreements with Question 3, while another 10% disagreed with Questions 1 and 4.
Conclusion: This study confirmed that the clinical practice guidelines can provide evidence-based acupuncture-related treatments for patients suffering from functional constipation. The majority of participants either agreed or strongly agreed with the guideline's applicability. Constipation is a complex issue influenced by various factors, such as lifestyle, dietary habits, and gut function. Therefore, a single treatment method may not completely resolve the problem. Non-pharmacological treatments are required in addition to pharmacological ones. Patients of participants have high expectations of receiving professional guidance to ensure that their treatment is effective and safe. It is important to note that the patients may not always perceive their quality of life as improved, even if treatment is successful. They still require additional help due to improved living conditions.