Acupressure in Hospitalized Patients

Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupressure to Improve Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Recovery in Hospitalized Patients

After written informed consent eligible hospitalized patients will be randomized to one of 3 arms (1:1:1:): control, sham, accupressure (3 points on the hand and wrist three times per day). Quality of recovery and other measures of patient satisfaction will be recorded.

After written informed consent eligible hospitalized patients will be randomized to one of 3 arms (1:1:1:): control (no touch), sham (light touch), acupressure (2 minutes moderate pressure each at PC6, LI4, and HT7 three times per day). Quality of recovery using the validated Quality of Recovery (QOR) 15 score and other measures of patient satisfaction (nausea score, pain score) will be recorded at baseline and after their 6 study sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. adults
2. patients at Stony Brook hospital
3. expected to be hospitalized for at least 3 days
4. able to sign informed consent and participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Under 18 years of age
2. Do not have access to the 3 points on the hand and wrist due to skin breakdown, ulcers, cellulitis, broken bone, indwelling catheter within 5 cm radius of the pressure points.
3. Significant dementia or altered mental status that would prevent assessment of the QOR survey
4. Allergic reaction to ink
5. Stroke or other neurologic condition which precludes sensation in both upper extremities.
6. Ongoing use of regional anesthetic technique
7. Pregnancy