Acupuncture for ‘frequent attenders’ with medically unexplained symptoms

Martin Wallace

doi:10.3399/bjgp11X588321

Intended for Healthcare Professionals

I read with alarm the article by Paterson et al published in your journal last month.

This is the paper that, in its conclusions, claims an effect for acupuncture even though the data in the papershow no effect at all.

I cannot understand how this has happened. All the published data in the medical literature to date show no or insignificant effects for acupuncture. Given that, it seems all the more important to examine claims to the contrary with scientific rigour.

Indeed, the College expects that of any scientific paper. In my opinion you should withdraw the paper and admit an error was made. The Lancet did just that over the immunisation paper.

REFERENCE

1. Paterson C,
2. Taylor RS,
3. Griffiths P,
4. et al.
(2011) Acupuncture for ‘frequent attenders' with medically unexplained symptoms: a randomised controlled trial (CACTUS study). Br J Gen Pract, DOI: 10.3399/bjgp11X572689.