A mentor-mentee support program for people with anorexia nervosa

Background: Successful mentorship enhances quality of life, hope for recovery and empowers people with anorexia nervosa (AN) to develop health-promoting strategies, with immeasurable benefits for both mentor and mentee. Aims: To develop and evaluate, in consultation with stakeholders (people with AN and recovered individuals), a mentorship support program for people with AN in NSW. Methods: This study is a mixed methods participatory action research (PAR) project. Participants are pivotal in the development and design of a tailored program. Researchers work closely with stakeholders to bring and evaluate change, through cycles of learning and reflection, actively engaging participants in the research process. Results: During workshop discussions, participants (4 mentors and 5 mentees) defined the program, examined roles and responsibilities, partnerships, interaction, use of funds, conflict resolution and risk management. The workshop, conducted informally in a setting that simulated a home environment, reduced anxiety levels. Uncertainty evolved into an appreciation for the program, development of new relationships, learning that everyone had similar reservations yet reassurance that people were there to support and encourage recovery. Participants were positive and optimistic for the program’s trial. Conclusion: PAR is an apt research method for actively engaging stakeholders in the development of a tailored program to support recovery

A role for massage after antenatal or neonatal loss : evaluations from a community program

Objectives: To evaluate the Helping Hands Project which offers parents who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal loss a free massage. Approach: Demographic data was collated and analysed for differences between those that booked in for a massage and those that did not. Post treatment feedback from open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively using content analysis. Results: Ninety-seven people registered, and 58 people booked in for a massage. Those that did not book in had a significantly higher impact of events score. Four qualitative themes were identified: 1) a sense of relaxation, 2) Being supported and cared for, 3) Taking time out for self, 4) The importance of understanding and kindness. Conclusions: Parents felt the program was important in providing a sense of relaxation and taking time out for self. Higher average impact of events scores may be a contributing factor in parents not booking in for a massage

Massage treatment and medial tibial stress syndrome : a commentary to provoke thought about the way massage therapy is used in the treatment of MTSS

As students and practitioners we are taught about the treatment and causative factors of medial shin pain, in particular 'shin splints' or the more recent term; medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). During the years there have been many theories, conjecture and misunderstandings about the mechanisms of 'shin splints/medial tibial stress syndrome' however the ramifications of these mechanisms on how massage treatment is delivered have not being discussed. The evidence for the treatment of MTSS is largely clinical with little evidence of any treatment being proven to be effective in treating MTSS. The aim of this article is to present a summary of the mechanisms of MTSS and a commentary to provoke thought about the way massage therapy is used in the treatment of MTSS based on these mechanisms

Labour induction massage : a thematic content analysis of Australian massage therapists’ website pages

Background and purpose: There is limited evidence on the efficacy and safety of induction massage; however, there are some massage therapists in Australia who offer induction massage. The aim of this paper is to determine the information being provided to consumers on websites pages of Australian massage therapists who provide ‘induction massage’. Materials and methods: A qualitative summative content analysis methodology employing both manifest and latent content analysis was used to examine website pages of Australian massage therapists offering ‘induction massage’. Results: Twenty-eight websites met the criteria for inclusion. The qualitative theme was a façade of hope with three subthemes: a) misconception and equivocation, b) marketing scieneploitation and c) lack of empowerment. Conclusion: While there were only a small number of websites that provided induction massage, these webpages generally failed to provide accurate and complete information and used deceptive and misleading statements and language that made ‘induction massage’ appear more efficacious and legitimate than current evidence suggests it is, thus potentially giving false hope to potential consumers

A review of the use of acupuncture in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is serious illness with significant morbidity. The evidence base for existing psychological and pharmacological interventions to manage Anorexia Nervosa is not strong, particularly in adults, and use of new adjunctive therapies that improve the effectiveness of existing treatments and lead to improved mental health outcomes for this patient group is highly desirable. Even the best evidenced based treatments are not successful in a substantial minority of patients, with relapses common, leading to chronic illness for many individuals. A review of the literature on acupuncture and Anorexia Nervosa was undertaken and a summary of the findings of the literature review is presented. The review found that the small pilot studies done so far with acupuncture and eating disorders suggest acupuncture may have benefit as an adjunct therapy, particularly around symptoms of eating disorders including mood, anxiety and quality of life. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings

Evaluating research information on practitioner websites describing the use of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF

Introduction: Despite the advances in assisted reproductive technologies the live birth rate remains low. In response to the high rates of unsuccessful treatment, and stress arising from repeated IVF cycles, women seek out other forms of treatment, such as acupuncture, to optimise their chance of achieving a successful pregnancy, live birth and to manage their infertility related stress. Method: An Internet search for Acupuncture and IVF websites from Sydney, New South Wales was undertaken and websites meeting the inclusion criteria were appraised using a modified assessment tool. The website was then evaluated. Results: 137 sites were identified with forty-seven websites eligible for appraisal. The majority of acupuncture websites did not present accurate and quality information. Some acupuncture websites made unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of acupuncture resulting in the potential to mislead consumers about the benefits of acupuncture. This occurred in a number of ways such as not reporting full research findings or providing details on the clinical population, presenting incomplete data, omitting important data and claims of benefit with little research evidence or low levels of research evidence. Conclusion: Our analysis of websites promoting acupuncture use for IVF showed that the information used on websites contains many inaccuracies. Improving the quality of IVF acupuncture websites to protect the consumer is needed, and this study highlights a continuing need to improve research literacy among acupuncturists

Massage during pregnancy and postpartum

Massage is systematic touch and manipulation of the soft tissues of the body that is increasingly being used as an adjunctive therapy for stress relief and to promote relaxation and wellbeing during pregnancy and as an alternative to pharmacologic or invasive forms of analgesia during labor. Literature to support the use of massage in pregnancy and labor is limited; however, evidence to support its use has been increasing over the past 30 years. Massage has been shown to be valuable to pregnant women with anxiety, depression, leg, and back pain, and has shown significant benefit in perception of pain during labor

Factors impacting treatment and recovery in anorexia nervosa : qualitative findings from an online questionnaire

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterised by restriction of energy intake, fear of gaining weight and severe disturbances in weight or shape. Recovery from AN is a complicated and often multifaceted experience that can take many years to achieve. Qualitative research has found that support, being understood, hope, desire for recovery, positive experiences in treatment, self-efficacy, motivation and relationships are important in recovery from AN. The experience of treatment for patients with an eating disorder is an important aspect of recovery with the potential to enhance recovery or hinder it. The aim of the questionnaire was to better understand factors impacting the care experiences during treatment and or recovery from self-reported Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Method: An online questionnaire was developed and administered to past or current sufferers of Anorexia Nervosa, ≥18 years of age. Participants were recruited through eating disorder organisations both in Australia and the United Kingdom. The questionnaire was a mixture of quantitative and qualitative questions. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data was analysed using conventional content analysis (CCA). Results: Of those who responded, most currently experienced self-reported AN. The quantitative results identified that most participants had trust and confidence in their health care provider and felt listened to and supported yet on the subject of the suitability of treatment this had varied opinions. Being understood, hope (life after AN) and self-acceptance were considered the top three important factors in the treatment and recovery from Anorexia Nervosa. The qualitative results revealed the factors hindering or benefiting treatment and recovery, and individuals’ needs during the four phases of recovery. Conclusion: Factors were identified that could either hinder or benefit treatment and recovery and these included whether treatment supported the individual to cope with change, whether the individual found the treatment to be appropriate for their personal needs and whether treatment addressed underlying factors. Individuals’ needs differed during the four phases of recovery. The findings of the study may help treatment providers address key factors involved in recovery at the right stage of treatment however by the nature of the qualitative methodology conclusions are putative and further definitive research is indicated

The tipping point of change in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) : qualitative findings from an online study

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand factors related to treatment and/or recovery from self-reported Anorexia Nervosa (AN), including ‘the tipping point of change’. Method: An online questionnaire was developed and administered from December 2014 to December 2015 to individuals ≥18 years of age with AN in the past or currently who were recruited through eating disorder organizations in Australia and the United Kingdom. Responses to a specific qualitative question on ‘the tipping point of change’ were analyzed using conventional content analysis (CCA). Results: One hundred sixty-one participants completed some or all of the questionnaire; only 67 women (41.61%) answered Question six on ‘the tipping point of change’, and analyses were restricted to data from these women. The themes identified were: 1) realizing the loss of something valuable, 2) the risk of losing something valuable, and 3) something to live for/stay well for. Conclusion: These results are important for health-care providers as they work with patients to identify life experiences, including ‘loss/potential loss’ and ‘the need for preservation’, that have personal significance. Some patients may realize that ‘enough is enough’; something needs to change. These intrinsic motivating factors may also be the impetus for eventual recovery for some individuals

Practice guidelines for acupuncturists using acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder where people intentionally refuse to eat sufficient amounts to maintain a healthy body-weight for fear of becoming fat. The intense preoccupation with restriction of food and control of body weight makes this one of the most complex and confusing conditions for practitioners to treat. While no single treatment has been found to be superior to another in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, general practice guidelines are available to guide mainstream treatment, however there are no guidelines for practitioners of complementary therapies. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture show promise as an adjunctive therapy in improving co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety levels among people with anorexia nervosa, by strengthening mind, body and overall well-being. The aim of this guideline is to assist and support acupuncture practitioners to deliver effective and safe adjunctive acupuncture treatments to people with anorexia nervosa, by providing a practice guideline that is underpinned by an ethical and evidence-based framework. The use of complementary therapies and specifically acupuncture in the treatment of anorexia nervosa may provide important adjunctive care to allow a comprehensive treatment approach that potentially improves quality of life, reduces anxiety and instils hope for recovery. It is hoped that acupuncture practitioners treating patients with anorexia nervosa will refer to these guidelines and apply the guidance (as deemed appropriate)