Current Research and Clinical Applications

摘要

This is a summary of a recently published meta-analysis paper.1 It is referred to as the Vickers' review in this article. The publication is the work of a number of leading academics from the northern hemisphere referred to as the 'The Acupuncture Trialists' Collaboration. This group was established in 2007 with the objective to synthesise data from high quality randomised trials (RCTs) on chronic pain using acupuncture; providing evidence with better quality for clinicians, physicians and patients which would improve referrals to acupuncturists. Their meta-analysis differs from all other published systematic reviews of acupuncture by utilising individual patient data rather than summary data in published papers. Such an approach enhances data quality, enables different forms of outcomes to be combined and allows for increased precision of statistical sensitivity.