Auricular Acupressure as a Non-Opioid Adjuvant in Opioid Tolerant Patients

Auricular Acupressure as a Non-Opioid Adjuvant in Opioid Tolerant Patients

The purpose of this study is to determine if the addition of auricular acupressure to the typical pharmacological regimen given to patients on the chronic pain/addiction service will lower pain scores and decrease pain medication usage.

Participants will be asked to complete baseline questionnaires. After completion, a study interventionist will place 10 adhesive acupressure pads./seeds on the participant's ears, 5 acupressure pads per ear. The pads will be placed on specific sites of the ear that are thought to help with pain and overall well-being. Over the course of 3 days, participants will be asked to apply a small amount of pressure with their finger to each of the pads and answer study questionnaires.

This feasibility trial is being performed in collaboration with the Battlefield Auricular Acupressure (BAApress) Training and Intervention Fidelity study (IRB00084011).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > or equal to 18
• History of documented chronic pain with or without opioid use disorder (Polysubstance abuse or opioid use disorder or opioid narcotic use documented as home medication)
• Estimated length of stay (admission) at least 5 days at the time of recruitment
• Able to read and understand informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient refusal
• Patients with a known history of leaving against medical advice (AMA)
• only English-speaking participants will be eligible.
• Inability to communicate via telephone
• Participants with a history of skin disease (e.g., psoriasis) involving the ear, adhesive allergy, recent scar tissue on ear, or current abrasions or cuts on ear,
• Cognitive impairment (delirium, dementia)
• Physical impairment preventing them from applying pressure to the beads
• Patients with cardiac pacemakers (contraindication to POINTER PAL)
• Use of some types of hearing aids (obstructing the placement of beads)
• Any chronic or acute illness or psychiatric conditions that would impact adherence to the study requirements