"It's natural so it shouldn't hurt me": Chemotherapy patients' perspectives, experiences, and sources of information of complementary and alternative medicines. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crichton, Megan; Strike, Katelyn; Isenring, Elizabeth; McCarthy, Alexandra L.; Marx, Wolfgang; Lohning, Anna; Marshall, Skye
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 43(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Alternative therapies -- Cancer -- Chemotherapy -- Complementary and alternative medicine -- Complementary therapies; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101362
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: Background and purpose: Minimal evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use during chemotherapy is accompanied with a high prevalence of use and nondisclosure to health professionals. This study aimed to explore patients' perspectives, experiences, support needs, and sources of information regarding CAM use during chemotherapy. Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews with ten adult participants who recently completed chemotherapy treatment at a large hospital in Australia were transcribed verbatim. Three investigators thematically analysed the interviews. Results: These participants receiving chemotherapy valued CAMs as a natural complement to chemotherapy to improve wellbeing, with their use most strongly influenced by past experiences rather than expert advice. Conclusion: Health professionals would benefit from education on how to best inform patients of the potential risks, harms and lack of efficacy for CAM use during chemotherapy in a way that does not lead to patient non-disclosure of CAM use. Highlights: These participants receiving chemotherapy value CAMs as a natural complement to chemotherapy to improve wellbeing. CAM use was most strongly influenced by past experiences rather than expert advice. Participants' trust in CAM knowledge and hope for improved wellbeing was influenced by a vulnerability to external opinions. Understanding patient perspectives on CAM helps health professionals in supporting patients with safe and effective CAM use.