Implementing a Standard Protocol for Acustimulation of Pericardium 6 to Prevent Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in a Primary Care Children Hospital

摘要

The acupuncture point Pericardium 6 is widely known and used to prevent and treat postoperative vomiting and nausea in adultsand children. Nevertheless it is not used in primary care children hospitals in Germany. As part of the establishment of andepartment of Integrative Medicine in a children hospital of maximal care this complimentary method was routinely establishedfor all children older than 1 year receiving surgery. The goal was not only to reduce nausea directly after surgerybut also to providepatients with a support for the first days at home. Especially during the drive home, the first meals and domestic physical activitynausea is known to bother children again after surgery. Therefore press needles, that can stay for several days were chosen to beused for acustimulation. Nurses and anesthetists were trained in locating pericardium 6 and applying press needles during thesurgery while children are sleeping. The information and consent of parents and children is integrated in the regular pre-anesthesia interview. In the recovery room parents and children do receive instructions of how to use, precautions and when to removeagain. The acceptance and effectiveness during the last 2 years of implementation are very good, adverse events did not occur.Qualitative interviews are planned to further evaluate the effectiveness of this method- especially for nausea after discharge.