Efeito da auriculoterapia para ansiedade, fadiga e distúrbios do sono em pacientes com câncer: revisão de escopo

Abstract

Objective: to map the scientific literature on the effects of auriculotherapy for the management of anxiety, fatigue and sleep disorders in cancer patients. Method: this is a scoping review based on the PRISMA-ScR recommendations and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search was conducted in ten data sources by two independent researchers. Publications available in full, with no language restrictions and no time frame were included. Data analysis was descriptive, with tables and statistics being prepared with absolute and relative frequency. Results: the final sample of 14 studies involving a total of 973 cancer patients. Of these, 10 were randomized clinical trials, published between 2015 and 2022, with emphasis on the years 2019 and 2021. Regarding the country of origin, Asian countries stand out 6 (71.42%), followed by Latin America (14.28%). Regarding the type of tumor, breast cancer stands out with 71.42%. Regarding the main auricular points used, the following stood out: Shenmen, followed by Heart, Subcortex, Kidney and Sympathetic. Regarding the number of sessions, the protocols lasted from three to eight weeks. The most used materials were: needles, seeds, magnetic pellets and crystal spheres. Final considerations: the findings present in this review demonstrated the effects of auriculotherapy for the management of anxiety, fatigue and sleep disorders in cancer patients, by providing improvement in the symptoms presented and the benefits outweigh the minor side effects that may arise with the procedure.