From: Getting inside acupuncture trials - Exploring intervention theory and rationale
Key Questions | Guiding Prompts |
---|---|
1. What is the underlying theory of healing and rationale? | • Derived or based within a TA model? |
 | • Bio-medically based? |
 | • Symptom based? |
 | • Pattern differentiation (based on the approach of looking, listening, asking, touching)? |
2. What form does the diagnosis of the patient take? | • Symptom based? |
 | • Pattern differentiation (based on the approach of looking, listening, asking, touching)? |
 | • Aetiology of the main complaint (detail and depth of exploration)? |
3. What is the nature of the treatment process? | • Fixed set of acu-points selected according to the main symptom(s)? |
 | • Is the treatment individualised? |
 | • Treatment is characterised according to the diagnosis of the whole person using pattern differentiation? |
4. How is treatment modified at subsequent treatment sessions? | • Treatment modified in response to patient-reported change? |
 | • Treatment staying constant focussing only on the (main) symptom(s)? |
5. What is the implied mechanism of change for how the acupuncture might work? | • Biomedical mechanism of the acu-points are linked directly to the symptom? |
 | • Change is dependent on affecting the balance of Qi, Yin and Yang and other imbalances as defined by the differential diagnosis? |
6. What outcomes are explored and what is the underlying rationale? | • Resolution of symptoms? |
 | • Broader benefits on health and well-being? |