No abstract

Acupuncture is increasingly used, so it is important to establish whether its benefits outweigh its risks. Numerous case reports of adverse events show that acupuncture is not free of risk, but accurate data from prospective investigations is scarce. A prospective survey was undertaken using intensive event monitoring. Forms were developed for reporting minor events each month and significant events as they occurred. The sample size was calculated to identify any adverse events that occurred more frequently than once in 10,000 consultations. Acupuncturists were recruited from two professional organisations in the UK. Seventy-eight acupuncturists, all doctors or physiotherapists, reported a total of 2178 events occurring in 31,822 consultations, an incidence of 684 per 10,000 consultations. The most common minor adverse events were bleeding, needling pain, and aggravation of symptoms; aggravation was followed by resolution of symptoms in 70% of cases. There were 43 significant minor adverse events reported, a rate of 14 per 10,000, of which 13 (30%) interfered with daily activities. One patient suffered a seizure (probably reflex anoxic) during acupuncture, but no adverse event was classified as serious. Avoidable events included forgotten patients, needles left in patients, cellulitis and moxa burns. In conclusion, the incidence of adverse events following acupuncture performed by doctors and physiotherapists can be classified as minimal; some avoidable events do occur. Acupuncture seems, in skilled hands, one of the safer forms of medical intervention.

Unselected, disposable acupuncture needles from various manufacturers and retail suppliers were taken from a pool of donated and bought samples. Three needles of each type were prepared for electron-microscopy. The needle tips were inspected at two magnifications (x39.37 and x612.5): 52 electron-micrographs were taken of 31 individual needles from 11 different types. No needle-tip looked perfect and significant faults were seen in most; some appeared seriously deformed. The faults noted were: scratch marks along or across the needle, metallic scuff, lumps and irregularities in the needle surface, needle-tip stubbed or malformed, and needle point off-centre. An additional test made was to wipe a number of needles firmly on white paper tissue. Some left grey lines, and these were regarded as evidence of metallic or oily residue from the needle surface which could have been deposited in the patient. These unexpected findings, in a variety of popularly used needles from well-respected suppliers, suggest that most manufacturers need to reassess their quality control procedures.

The Open University's repository of research publications and other research outputsThe while of participation: A systematic review of participatory research involving people with sensory impairments and/or intellectual impairments.

In this study, Simon Hayhoe investigates the experiences of blind museum visitors in the context of the relationships between the artworks they learned about in museums, those they experienced when younger, and the social, cultural, and emotional influences of their museum experiences. The three case studies he presents support his hypothesis that, for blind visitors, proximity to works of art is at least as important as perceiving the art itself. This finding questions Gombrich's theory of the economy of vision and Jay's theory of scopics and supports the notion that exclusion from art in this context is more passive than active.

SummaryVolunteerc are sought '"vho will commit themselves to repott the incidence of adverse effects in their acupuncturc practice over a period of two years. The Department of Complementary Medicine of Exeter lJnivercity is co-ordinatinE a survey of 3A,A00 r, upu lutc Uealmcnl\. f,om the re'ultint d,tta a complication rate of serious and minor side eflects will be compiled. lt is hoped that meticulous recording could demonstrate circumstances leadinB to adverse effects and identify unrecorded comp I ications ol acu puncture.Previous reports suglest that the major complications of acupuncture have an incjdence ot' between 1:10,000 and I:1ao,o0A, which is classified as very low fhis survey aims to Eive an accurate assessment of the risk ot' major complicatian and to detetmine the range and incidence of any other unintended and nontherapeutic ill-effects followin€! acupuncture, no matter how minor. lt constitutes the first such investigation into the safety of acupuncture.

Original citation:Hayhoe, Simon (2013) The philosophical, political and religious roots of touch exhibitions in 20th century British museums. Disability Studies Quarterly, 33 (3).

The involvement of all participants within all aspects of the research process is a well-established challenge for participatory research. This is particularly evident in relation to data analysis and dissemination. A novel way of understanding and approaching this challenge emerged through a large-scale international, 3-year participatory research project involving over 200 disabled people. This approach enabled people to be involved at all stages of the research in a manner that was collectively recognised to be participatory and also delivered high-quality findings. At the heart of this emergent approach to participatory research is an engagement with risk. This research note explores the types of risks involved in delivering research that seeks to be authentically participatory.