Applicability of auriculotherapy in cancer patients: An integrative literature review

7Citations
Citations of this article
29Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze scientific evidence in the literature on the use of auriculotherapy to relieve symptoms related to cancer and/or its treatment. Method: An integrative literature review based on: MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, SCOPUS and COCHRANE in the last five years in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Inclusion criteria: primary studies with the central theme. Exclusion criteria: opinion articles, reviews and experience reports. Results: The search resulted in 435 publications, but only 11 remained after applying four selection stages. An analysis of the study designs showed that three of them (27.5%) had a high level of evidence, three (27.5%) had moderate, four (36%) had low and one (9%) had a very low level. The evaluated outcomes were related to the following symptoms: pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, hot flashes, dyspnea, fatigue and insomnia. Moreover, 100% of the publications exposed positive effects of auriculotherapy in oncology. Conclusion: Auriculotherapy in cancer patients improves symptoms, and this practice was considered a safe and acceptable intervention. However, it is necessary to expand studies to obtain more favorable evidence since only 3 studies presented a high level of evidence.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Contim, C. L. V., do Espírito Santo, F. H., & Moretto, I. G. (2020). Applicability of auriculotherapy in cancer patients: An integrative literature review. Revista Da Escola de Enfermagem. Escola de Enfermagem de Universidade de Sao Paulo. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-220X2019001503609

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free