CLC number: R246
On-line Access: 2017-03-08
Received: 2016-06-07
Revision Accepted: 2016-08-26
Crosschecked: 2017-02-07
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Nicola Robinson. Integrating acupuncture: are there positive health outcomes for women?[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science B, 2017, 18(3): 233-238.
@article{title="Integrating acupuncture: are there positive health outcomes for women?",
author="Nicola Robinson",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science B",
volume="18",
number="3",
pages="233-238",
year="2017",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1631/jzus.B1600260"
}
%0 Journal Article
%T Integrating acupuncture: are there positive health outcomes for women?
%A Nicola Robinson
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE B
%V 18
%N 3
%P 233-238
%@ 1673-1581
%D 2017
%I Zhejiang University Press & Springer
%DOI 10.1631/jzus.B1600260
TY - JOUR
T1 - Integrating acupuncture: are there positive health outcomes for women?
A1 - Nicola Robinson
J0 - Journal of Zhejiang University Science B
VL - 18
IS - 3
SP - 233
EP - 238
%@ 1673-1581
Y1 - 2017
PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
ER -
DOI - 10.1631/jzus.B1600260
Abstract: The key health issues for women tend to be primarily associated with the female reproductive system. There are also other gender priorities and consequences associated with ageing, which require effective interventions. acupuncture is used worldwide and its evidence base is increasing on both mechanisms of action and its effectiveness in clinical care. Although acupuncture may be a valuable addition to healthcare for some conditions, it is rarely fully integrated into mainstream Western medicine clinical practice. Inadequate design and poor reporting of clinical trials have been barriers. Additionally systematic reviews and meta-analyses have tended to be equivocal and have reported that there is insufficient evidence for its recommendation. Future research should focus on ensuring good trial design including cost effectiveness and qualitative data and using a more pragmatic stance which reflects acupuncture in clinical practice. Undoubtedly, effective interventions are always needed to ensure the best health outcomes and address preventable deaths, morbidities, and disabilities among women but integration will be compromised unless underpinned by good evidence.
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