Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Acupoint Electrical Stimulation to Improve Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer Pain
Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Acupoint Electrical Stimulation to Improve Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer Pain
The conduct of a pilot trial is of great significance as a means of assessing the feasibility and harmonization of the research and is a very necessary precursor to the better conduct of formal trials. The primary aim of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of a PC-TEAS in improving the quality of life of cancer patients with pain, with the aspiration of providing process evidence base and an assessment of the intervention for conducting a formal trial. the secondary outcome is to assess the clinical efficacy of the PC-TEAS.
Participants who had been diagnosed with cancer pain were eligible if they ①were 18 to 75 years old, ②had NRS pain score of ≥4 in the previous 1 week, or had regular use of analgesics, ③ anticipated survival of at least 6 months, ④ECOG-PS score ≤2 points, ⑤stable vital signs, clear consciousness, and the ability to correctly judge their pain, communication is unhindered, able to cooperate with researchers to complete relevant research assessments, ⑥voluntarily participate in this study and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion criteria included the following: ①Have venous thrombosis of the upper and lower limbs (below the elbow/knee joint), active cerebrovascular disease, severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction, or patient is clinically unstable (eg, acute infections, electrolyte disturbances).②Patients with pacemaker implantation or metal implantation in the body. ③People with local skin at acupoints lesions, poor skin conditions, or other people unsuitable for PC-TEAS treatment. ④Cancer patients who are planning to become pregnant recently or are pregnant. ⑤Have a psychiatric disorder or severe cognitive impairment who are unable to communicate. ⑥Participating in other clinical trials.