Pregnant women and health professional's perceptions of complementary alternative medicine, and participation in a randomised controlled trial of acupressure for labour onset.

UNLABELLED: Feasibility randomised controlled trials of complementary medicine are important to evaluate acceptability and practicality. This study examined participants' and health professionals' perceptions of CAM and participation in a feasibility RCT of acupressure for labour onset.

METHODS: A qualitative study incorporated within an RCT. Data were collected from postnatal women via questionnaires and health professionals via focus groups.

RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the women's views: "Using CAM to start labour", "Feeling empowered through action", "Desiring randomisation to acupressure group", and "Welcoming the opportunity to assist in research". Five themes emerged from the health professionals' views: "Personal awareness and attitudes towards CAM"; "Supporting and empowering women"; "Complements the wellness model of pregnancy and childbirth"; "Need for evidenced based practice"; and "Randomisation 'doing it on the sly'".

CONCLUSIONS: Themes from the groups were similar. The study protocol will be refined with a placebo group to improve equipoise with a powered RCT planned.