RecruitingACTRN12619000333112

Evaluating the update of acupressure in the management of post-operative nausea and vomiting through auditing

Evaluating the implementation of acupressure as part of the management of post-operative nausea and vomiting among surgical patients undergoing general anaesthesia: an audit

Sponsor

Northern Hospital

Enrollment

1,292 participants

Start Date

Jun 1, 2017

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Postoperative nausea and vomiting

Summary

About one in two to three surgical patients suffer from nausea and vomiting after operation (PONV) and PONV greatly impacts on patient surgical experience and can prolong the hospital stay. Acupressure, a form of non-invasive acupuncture, can safely and effectively reduce the incidence of PONV by up to 30%. The current project aims to assess if acupressure could be incorporated into the routine management of PONV in a public hospital in Victoria to provide a non-drug option for surgical patients; what factors may impact on the adoption of acupressure; and if this non-drug option could reduce PONV and / or the use of medications. The acupressure tested is a wristband, called Seaband, and is applied to Nei Guan, an acupuncture point on the wrist of patient, about 30 min prior to surgery. The band can be in place for 24 hours. The band can be easily removed by patient if it becomes uncomfortable and can be applied later. We expect to see that this band can be easily integrated into the standard PONV management plan, and acupressure may reduce PONV or the use of anti-emetics post-operatively. Both staff and patients would be happy to have a non-drug option to complement the existing PONV management plan.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Nausea and vomiting after surgery — known as post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) — affects up to half of all surgical patients. It can make recovery miserable, extend hospital stays, and usually requires medication to manage. This study is exploring whether a simple, non-drug option — a wristband that applies pressure to an acupuncture point on the wrist — can be integrated into routine hospital care to reduce PONV. The wristband, called a Seaband, is placed on the Nei Guan acupressure point about 30 minutes before surgery and can remain on for up to 24 hours. It's the same type used for travel sickness. Researchers will audit whether the band reduces nausea and vomiting, and whether it reduces the need for anti-nausea medications. You may be eligible if you are an adult having surgery under general anaesthesia and are considered at moderate-to-high risk of PONV. The band is not suitable for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, a very large wrist, or wrist pain or swelling. Patients going to the ICU after surgery are also excluded.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Acupressure wristband (Seaband) is implemented. The suitable intervention has been determined through a feasibility study. Acupressure is applied to prospectively patients who are considered at a mod

Acupressure wristband (Seaband) is implemented. The suitable intervention has been determined through a feasibility study. Acupressure is applied to prospectively patients who are considered at a moderate to high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) as assessed with a PONV risk checklist and who agree to use acupressure. Nurses at the pre-admission clinic applies one SeaBand to PC6 (Neiguan, an acupuncture point) on the right side of the wrist 30 minutes prior to the operation. The wristband is to be left on 24 hours postoperatively. The wristband will feel firm around the wrist, but not so tight that they are painful or constricting. Patients are advised to press on the button that is on the band if they feel nausea or want to vomit. Patients are notified if the wristband becomes too tight or very uncomfortable, it can be taken off for 30 min for a break or not use them thereafter. It is normal to see a red mark or indentation afterwards. Time of application will be noted on the Sea-Band and documented in the patient’s Progress Notes. The observation time is 24 hours.

Locations(2)

The Northern Hospital - Epping

VIC, Australia

Broadmeadows Health Service - Broadmeadows

VIC, Australia

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ACTRN12619000333112