Acupunct Med. 2002 Dec; 20(4): 181-5.

Acupuncture for tennis elbow: an E-mail consensus study to define a standardised treatment in a GPs' surgery.

Webster-Harrison P, White A, Rae J.

Port View Surgery, Saltash, Cornwall, UK. pjwh@globalnet.co.uk

Acupuncture is a possible alternative treatment for tennis elbow in general practice. Rigorous investigation of its effectiveness is needed by means of a randomised controlled trial. Before undertaking a trial, a consensus is required on the best treatment protocol. Therefore, a modified Delphi Process was undertaken by e-mail, consisting in three iterative rounds. Fourteen acupuncture trainers initially reported details of their normal treatment that were then incorporated into a treatment plan. This was circulated once for further suggestions and finally for agreement. Consensus was achieved from all 14 participants who responded to the third round.