Acupuncture for IBS: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost-effectiveness

The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in primary care is an ongoing challenge. Many patients and GPs perceive current conventional treatments as ineffective and this may explain why increasing numbers of patients with IBS are turning to complementary medicine, including acupuncture. There is weak but inconclusive evidence of acupuncture’s efficacy for IBS and there is no evidence on cost-effectiveness. Given that many patients with IBS are already self-referring for acupuncture, it is in the public interest to whether or not acupuncture is effective. The aim of this study is to establish rigorous evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for IBS. As secondary aims, we will explore the patient experience, including the acceptability and safety of acupuncture and we will also explore the potential influence of patient preference, belief and expectation on patient outcome. Our trial (ISRCTN08827905) is funded by a grant of £250,000 from the National Institute for Health Research’s Research for Patient Benefit scheme.