An economic evaluation conducted alongside this pragmatic trial assessed the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture plus usual care versus usual care alone for IBS treatment. The analysis showed that, while acupuncture was marginally more effective than usual care, it was also more expensive, costing an average of £218 more per patient. Subgroup comparisons suggested that acupuncture as an adjunct to usual care may not be a cost-effective option for the whole IBS population, although it may be cost-effective for those with more severe IBS. (Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: findings from an economic evaluation conducted alongside a pragmatic randomised controlled trial in primary care. BMC Gastroenterol. 2012 Oct 24;12(1):149).
Categories: Digestive Bowel disorders
