Pregnant women and health professional's perceptions of complementary alternative medicine, and participation in a randomised controlled trial of acupressure for labour onset

Abstract

Feasibility randomised controlled trials of complementary medicine are important to evaluate acceptability and practicality. This study examined participants' and health professionals' perceptions of CAM and participation in a feasibility RCT of acupressure for labour onset.

Methods: A qualitative study incorporated within an RCT. Data were collected from postnatal women via questionnaires and health professionals via focus groups.

Results: Four themes emerged from the women's views: "Using CAM to start labour", "Feeling empowered through action", "Desiring randomisation to acupressure group", and "Welcoming the opportunity to assist in research". Five themes emerged from the health professionals' views: "Personal awareness and attitudes towards CAM"; "Supporting and empowering women"; "Complements the wellness model of pregnancy and childbirth"; "Need for evidenced based practice"; and "Randomisation 'doing it on the sly'".

Conclusions: Themes from the groups were similar. The study protocol will be refined with a placebo group to improve equipoise with a powered RCT planned.

Keywords: Acupressure; Health professionals; Pregnant women; Qualitative study; RCT participation.