title: Patient expectations of acupuncture in pregnancy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Expectations for treatment have been associated with outcomes. Expectations in acupuncture treatment have rarely been addressed, and due to the unique concerns of pregnancy and childbirth, obstetric patients merit special attention.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Assess treatment expectations of acupuncture clinic patients treated for obstetric and related concerns.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive follow-up involving a patient-completed survey; chief treatment concern and number of treatment sessions were validated against patient records.
  
  
  METHODS
  Of 265 former clinic patients, 137 (51.7%) completed the internet survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Self-reported demographic variables; responses to open-ended questions on treatment expectations; general treatment variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using standard qualitative data analytic strategies, we identified five major treatment expectations, for example, affecting labor and delivery, benefiting the whole system, and treating specific symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retrospective method and recall bias may have influenced reported expectations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Obstetric acupuncture patients' expectations overlap with other subgroups in terms of symptom treatment. They also indicate a distinct interest in taking an active role in childbirth and in replacing conventional interventions, warranting further inquiry into obstetric acupuncture effects and safety in childbearing women.
authors.affiliation: Washington State University Vancouver, Washington (Dr Soliday), United States.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Soliday
authors.affiliation: Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington (Ms Hapke), United States.
authors.forename: Patrice
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hapke
keywords: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); obstetrics acupuncture; patient attitudes; treatment expectations
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