RESEARCH METHODOLOGY POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
Please note: All posters will be displayed in
Salons 10-12.
THURSDAY, 10:15-11:00 AM
McDonough-Means SI, Aicken M, Bell IR.
A novel assessment model of non-specific placebo effects:
an assessment framework and pre-post study questionnaire data on caregiver
attitudes and beliefs about an energy healing modality.
University of Arizona College of Medicine Program
in Integrative Medicine mcdosh@dakotacom.net
PURPOSE: Demonstrate the efficacy of a novel
assessment model for non-specific/placebo effects within the healer-healee
dyad and the surrounding energetic environment using an NIH study Efficacy
of Healing Touch in Stressed Neonates as an example. Characteristics
within practitioner and patient and the non-physical expectancy environment
may indeed be confounding or latent variables which impact outcomes
in healing research. A framework for assessment of these non-specific
factors is critical to further understanding. This novel situation—neonates
are presumed to have diminished expectancy—decreases complexity
and thus enhances clarity of the components of the placebo effect.
METHODS: A framework of non-specific effect
factors was developed and questionnaires chosen or developed as assessment
instruments. These were completed pre-post the 14 month study duration
by consented neonatal unit caregivers [nurses, nurse practitioners (NNPs)
and neo-natologists (DO/MD)] and certified Healing Touch practitioners
[CHTPs]. Selected questionnaires were completed by the unit caregivers
specific to each neonatal subject and by mother consented as caregiver
and as infant surrogate.
RESULTS: The assessment framework is comprised
of four (4) domains: Attitude—General (pertinent psycho-emotional-spiritual
traits and states) and Specific to Therapy (HT alignment with views
on health and expected health benefits); Prior Experience—Therapy
[HT] and Disorder [stress-general and ill neonates]; Belief in Efficacy—of
HT and standard of care for infant stress [SOC], rated separately, for
infant stress and illness severity - in general and specific to each
neonate; Assessment of Benefit—of HT and SOC for infant
stress and illness severity. Data from the pre-post study questionnaires
are presented: 5 of 5 DO/MD, 7 of 8 NNPs, 22/41 nurses and 5 of 5 CHTPs.
On pre-study ratings, the majority believed HT and SOC to be positively
and equally helpful for infant stress and illness, but populations differed.
CONCLUSION: This novel evaluation model provides
a universally applicable framework for assessment of non-specific placebo
effects. It provides characterization and comparisons regarding general
beliefs, attitudes and expectancies about a healing modality, the shifts
in those that may occur over the duration of a study, specifics for
those dimensions for a particular subject and evaluation of impact upon
therapeutic efficacy and individual response differences.
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