Exploring patients' interest in complementary therapies in a specialist palliative care unit

Abstract

Background: The use of complementary therapy has become increasingly integrated into specialist palliative care units (SPCUs). Objective: To evaluate patients' interest in and experience of complementary therapies during their inpatient stay in a SPCU. Method: All 179 patients admitted to the SPCU over a 3-month period were assessed on admission. Those deemed suitable to participate by the researcher/clinical nurse specialist were invited to participate in this research. A standardised paper questionnaire was completed by the participating patients. Results: 71 patients (40%) completed the study. Those excluded had cognitive impairment, fatigue, communication difficulties or were imminently dying. Some declined to participate. A variety of age groups and diagnoses were represented. Only 27% of participants had a previous experience of using complementary therapies in the past 12 months. The majority (52%) were ‘very interested’ in receiving complementary therapy, while 13% reported having ‘no interest’. Massage and reflexology were identified as the most popular forms of complementary therapy. The primary anticipated benefits associated with complementary therapy were relaxation and improvement in general wellbeing. Conclusion: This research has indicated a high level of interest in complementary therapies in the study population, across a wide age range regardless of diagnosis or level of disease.

Complementary medicine visits by palliative care patients: a cross-sectional survey

“…Patients reported more interest in scientifically-proven biologically-based ingested medicines, whereas the professionals preferenced mind- and body-based CM methods. Another study conducted in Ireland evaluated patients’ interest in, and experience of, CM therapies during their inpatient stays in palliative care units 6. Of the 71 patients who completed the study, 27% had previous experience using CM therapies in the last 12 months, and the majority (52%) were very interested in receiving CM therapies while in care.…”

“…Of the 71 patients who completed the study, 27% had previous experience using CM therapies in the last 12 months, and the majority (52%) were very interested in receiving CM therapies while in care. The main therapies identified included massage and reflexology 6. Despite patient and clinician interest in the inclusion of CM therapies in palliative care, there are still numerous barriers to integration, including lack of clinician knowledge and training regarding CM, a sceptical attitude to CM among clinicians, unrealistic patient and caregiver expectations regarding outcomes of CM care, and poor professional and patient communication regarding CM 7.…”