Utility of acupressure bracelets for the reduction of nausea and vomiting in Emergency Department patients. A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms frequently reported by patients attending Emergency Departments (EDs).We aim to determine if Acupressure is useful for reducing nausea and vomiting experienced by patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Acupressure is a non-invasive variation of the traditional Chinese Medicine Modality of Acupuncture. To date no studies have been performed in an Emergency Department. Conclusions from previous studies of acupressure in other settings have had mixed results. These studies all suggest that acupressure wristbands are safe and easy to apply. Our hypothesis is that the use of Acupressure bracelets will lead to a clinically significant reduction in nausea experienced by Emergency Department patients. Our secondary hypothesis is that Sham acupressure (placebo) may provide a similar clinically significant benefit.