Receiving acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A nested qualitative study

Introduction: Therapies such as acupuncture are being increasingly used as an integrative treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This study aimed to explore the experience of partici-pating in a clinical study of acupuncture for CIPN.Methods: This qualitative study was nested within a trial (n = 120) with participants randomised to 10 sessions of acupuncture or the control group wait list for acupuncture posttrial. Participants (n = 23) volunteered to be interviewed either by telephone (n = 20) or face-to-face (3). The audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.Results: Analysis of qualitative data identified 4 key themes: 1. Information, motivation, and allocation - partici-pants expressed positive expectations and hoped that acupuncture would improve symptoms of CIPN. 2. Acupuncture experiences - participants reported beneficial effects of acupuncture on their CIPN symptoms and quality of life. 3. Trial experience and procedures - some participants disclosed some difficulty in completing the trial but also felt their CIPN was being taken seriously. 4. Suggestions for improving the study - recommendations were made for future studies about recruitment and the questionnaires.Conclusion: Participants in the treatment arm were largely delighted and many experienced benefits, including effects on other symptoms. There were some non-responders in those interviewed, but most valued the experi-ence of taking part. The findings from this nested study would be useful to refine procedures and protocols in any future large multisite trial. Trial No. NCT02275403 on Clinicaltrials.gov