Auriculotherapy to reduce anxiety and pain in nursing professionals: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

RESUMENObjectives:to evaluate the effectiveness of the auricular protocol (APPA) in reducing pain and anxiety and improving the quality of life of the nursing staff of a hospital. Method:randomized clinical trial with an initial sample of 180 professionals divided into 4 groups Control (G1), Seed (G2), Needle (G3) and Tape (G4). The evaluation instruments were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Pain Visual Analog Scale and Quality of Life instrument, applied at the start and after five and 10 sessions (five weeks). Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Cohen's d Index were used in the analysis. Results:there was a statistical difference (p < 0.05) for anxiety according to the repeated measures ANOVA, with better results for the G3 in the final assessment (Cohen's d index 1.08/17% reduction). There was a reduction of pain of 36% in G3 and 24% in G2 and a 13% increase in the mental aspect of quality of life for the G3, although without statistical significance. Conclusion:the APPA protocol reduced the anxiety levels of nursing staff after 10 sessions. Further studies are, however, suggested with new populations and in different contexts so that the results can be confirmed. RBR-5pc43m.

Auriculoterapia no cuidado da ansiedade e depressão

“…Another factor that may interfere with research results and depends on the participants of the sample is the stimulation of auricular points in which seeds were applied, they need to be pressed for better results and the researchers as not able to find out if this action was actually performed by the participants. 22,[24][25] Placebo effect was one aspect that influenced the results. Due to varied situations, this term was frequently cited by the researchers in the study limitations section.…”

“…19-20-21,24 Contrary to the previous situation, in study 6, which used adhesive tape without any material to apply pressure (seeds or crystals) in a group, no placebo effect was observed, since it was not possible to blind the participants, and this was considered a limiting factor. 24 Finally, the absence of a placebo group to assess the effect of auriculotherapy on stress and on the results of assisted reproductive management was also considered a limiting factor. 25 In view of these limitations, it is advisable that future scientific productions stimulate Sham points in order to ascertain their efficacy and use heterogeneous samples composed of a larger number of collaborators, so that protocols can be evaluated.…”

Auriculotherapy for the stress of the nursing team in the medium hospital complexity

“…Regarding the characteristics of the participants, the female predominance was observed, a phenomenon that has been discussed in the field around the profession in several studies. [12][13][14][15] Its importance is in the psychosocial aspects inherent to the gender that directly influence health, such as the association of the day professional and domestic work exposing this group of professionals to the development of psychic problems related to work. One example is Burnout Syndrome.…”

Wellness room as a strategy to reduce occupational stress: quasi-experimental study

“…A study conducted in hospital units in Arizona (United States) showed that aromatherapy, more specifically the diffusion of therapeutic lavender essential oil in the nursing work environment in complex care sectors, decreased work-related stress and increased satisfaction, since good olfactory experiences can promote well-being (37) . Regarding auricular acupuncture, the literature indicates that it reduces not only stress levels, but also anxiety and pain, increasing coping strategies and improving the quality of mental life of the nursing team (38)(39) .…”