Effects of acupuncture and acupressure on cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To critically examine the evidence for acupuncture and acupressure in the management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adult patients with cancer. DATA SOURCES 18 databases were searched for randomized, controlled trials published in English and Chinese through April 2014. DATA SYNTHESIS Given the heterogeneity of data, meta-analysis was not conducted. A six-step thematic analysis method was used to synthesize the results. CONCLUSIONS Although results are inconclusive, acupuncture and acupressure tend to be effective in relieving CRF, with the former producing a greater improvement. Future research is recommended to contribute further evidence. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses should know about the relative effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure in the management of CRF to educate and support their patients.