Effect of AcupressureMassage on Chemotherapy Induced Nausea Denise

Effect of Acupressure/Massage on Chemotherapy Induced Nausea Denise Cooney, BSN, RN Purpose P 6 Acupressure • Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting are side effects that can sometimes be managed with medications. This critical analysis examines the use of massage/acupressure to prevent or reduce nausea in patients receiving chemotherapy. • • • Methodology • Critical Analysis • PICOT question developed using the words “nausea”, “chemotherapy” and “massage” • PICOT Question: For patients receiving chemotherapy, how does receiving massage/acupressure compared to medication influence the prevention of nausea during chemotherapy treatment? • 14 articles determined as applicable for study • 8/14 articles were Level II and 3 were a Level III Results 8/14 articles were random-control trials • Sample sizes ranged from 53 to 500 • Other studies included quasi-experimental studies with control groups and descriptive secondary analysis studies • 11 of the 14 articles showed evidence that acupressure or massage had a significant effect on reducing chemotherapy induced nausea • The p values ranged from p < 0. 05 (showing statistical significance) to p = 0. 23 (no significance) comparing the experimental intervention and the control. • Conclusion Massage or acupressure can be used as an alternative or adjunct treatment for chemotherapy induced nausea • 3 of the studies showed no statistical significance 11 studies gave evidence to suggest that acupressure is an effective treatment for chemotherapy induced nausea. Significance to Nursing This evidence provides an alternative treatment for nurses to reduce patients’ symptoms of nausea Nurses can educate patients and their family members on the use of massage or acupressure to reduce or eliminate nausea symptoms.