‘Getting on with life’: The experiences of older people using complementary health care

Abstract

Surprisingly few studies have explored the use of complementary medicine amongst older persons and existent research is typically restricted to those who can afford private treatment. The aim of the current qualitative study was therefore to explore the experiences of older people using subsidised complementary health care.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 regular attendees of a single centre offering low cost complementary health care to the over 60's. The sample was randomly drawn from the patient register and included patients from mixed social and ethnic backgrounds. Transcripts was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The core theme underlying participants' accounts related to the desire to 'get on with life' and maintain physical and social functioning within the constraints imposed by chronic conditions. Consequently, the physiological effects of treatment were highly valued, particularly reductions in pain and improved mobility.Psychological effects operated at a more subtle level, influencing perceptions of health and well-being. The empowering nature of treatment enabled participants to regain a sense of control over their health, which reduced anxiety and facilitated 'normal' functioning. The whole package care was perceived as an important source of support and reassurance in contrast to the impersonal experiences of orthodox medicine. Complementary health care was therefore perceived as an important adjunct to orthodox medicine, particularly in terms of its impact on everyday functioning and well-being. Implications for the quality of life of older people with complex health needs and limited access to private complementary health care are discussed.

Frequencies and prescription patterns of traditional Chinese medicine use among elderly patients in Taiwan: A population-based study

“…These findings are identical with those of other studies: TCM is valued among elderly people for its effectiveness in improving physiological and musculoskeletal problems, particularly in reducing pain and promoting mobility, and can be used to manage multiple chronic diseases and treat psychological disorders to improve health and well-being (Cartwright, 2007;Cheung et al, 2007;Gozum and Unsal, 2004;Najm et al, 2003;Wong et al, 2010).…”

Medicinas Alternativas e Complementares: uma metassíntese

“…Foram excluídos artigos que não atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. No total foram selecionados 32 artigos 9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40 .…”

What Attitudes and Needs Do Citizens in Europe Have in Relation to Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

“…The importance of personalised care, and the patient-centred and holistic approach advocated by CAM are particularly noted in the UK [19,25,58,59,116,117], Norway [118], Germany [77,119], Israel [120] and Switzerland [121]. Additionally, the provision of explanatory frameworks, which often constitute an integral part of the 'package of care' [23], can be central to the ways some CAM users make sense of their illness and its treatment [28,80,106,109].…”