The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2011
Clinical TrialDry needling for myofascial pain: prognostic factors.
The study objectives were to evaluate outcomes in patients who have received dry needling treatments and to identify predictors of pain and disability. ⋯ Dry needling is an effective treatment for reducing pain and pain interference. However, long pain duration, high pain intensity, poor quality of sleep, and repetitive stress are associated with poor outcomes. Treatment outcome depends not only on the dry needling protocol, but also on disease characteristics and patient demographic profile.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2011
Clinical TrialWhat to wear when practicing oriental medicine: patients' preferences for doctors' attire.
The patient's impression of the doctor is an important factor in a clinical consultation, and the doctor's attire also plays a great role in promoting trust and confidence in the patients. Previous studies have shown that a doctor in a white coat will appear more professional, confident, and trustworthy. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the influence of a doctor's attire applies for both Western and Oriental medical doctors. ⋯ The preference about doctors' attire symbolizes the perception of patients regarding their doctor's image. Taking the historical and symbolic meaning of the doctor's white coat together, this clear preference of patients for the white coat might imply that patients require a more scientific and professional image, regardless of whether the doctors are Western or Oriental medical doctors.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2011
Complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and Accountable Care Organizations: the train is leaving the station.
Legislation that supports the establishment of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) was recently enacted into law as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and in 2012 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will begin contracting with ACOs. Although ACOs will play a significant role in reform of the U. ⋯ S. CAM services.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyMindfulness and psychologic well-being: are they related to type of meditation technique practiced?
This study examined whether practitioners of two meditation types differ on self-reported mindfulness skills and psychologic well-being. ⋯ The results suggest that self-reported mindfulness and psychologic well-being may be associated with meditation frequency rather than any potential differences when comparing MM and TM in this study. Note that substantial differences between MM and TM groups were present on basic demographics, which were controlled statistically.