Sidelined for controversial practices. Twelve nurses have been sanctioned by their National Order for providing "percutaneous hydrotomy" care, a scientifically unvalidated practice, according to a decision released Monday. The twelve caregivers received sanctions ranging from reprimand to a firm suspension for three months, according to the decision of the national disciplinary chamber of the order of nurses, made public by him.

Percutaneous hydrotomy aims, according to its promoters, to relieve the pain of people suffering from recurrent pain (osteoarthritis, low back pain, migraines ...). It consists of subcutaneous injections of saline enriched with several elements with large dilutions.

It is promoted by an International Percutaneous Hydrotomy Association, which delivers paid training and the products used. According to the decision, the sanctioned nurses put the patient at "unjustified risk" by using this care technique, which has not been the subject of any recognized scientific validation.

A practice "neither scientifically based" nor "clinically evaluated"

In general, when nurses are confronted with new care practices, it is up to them "to show a spirit of discernment" and a "duty of prudence", even if the care is requested by a doctor, says the disciplinary chamber. In addition, the caregivers concerned benefited from a prohibited "advertising promotion", since their names and contact details appeared on the association's website.

The decision also asks the council of the National Order of Nurses to issue "a warning to any nurse" on the practice, inviting any nurse "to cease without delay any participation in these acts in any form whatsoever".

In an opinion issued in October 2021, several years after the start of the contested practices, the Academy of Medicine considered that percutaneous hydrotomy was neither "scientifically based" nor "clinically evaluated". "Its potential adverse effects are not documented," and "its use should not be recognized as a valid care practice," according to the notice.

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