Training nursing students to provide auricular acupressure for drug abusers
Around the Turn: A Feasibility Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Using Auricular Acupressure to Abstain From Drug Abuse Through Training Nursing Students
This study tests whether nursing students can effectively use auricular acupressure to help drug abusers feel better during withdrawal.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05877742 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of training nursing students to deliver auricular acupressure (AA) to drug abusers. Conducted as a 2-arm feasibility cluster randomized controlled trial, it will involve 80 participants from 7 substance abuse clinics in Hong Kong. The intervention group will receive individual AA treatment from trained nursing students, while the control group will attend a brief seminar. The study aims to assess the impact of AA on reducing withdrawal symptoms among drug abusers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older who have reported drug abuse within the past 30 days and can communicate in Cantonese.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable mental conditions or those currently receiving acupuncture or acupressure treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, accessible treatment option for drug abusers to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using auricular acupressure for managing withdrawal symptoms, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 or above * Have reported to abuse drugs within the past 30 days * Can communicate in Cantonese and read Chinese Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable mental conditions that are not suitable for the intervention * Receiving acupuncture or acupressure treatment currently or in the previous 30 days
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Katherine Lam — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ka Wai Katherine Lam — School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Ka Wai Katherine Lam
- Email: kw-katherine.lam@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 27666420
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.