Making Sense of Illness: The Experiences of Users of Complementary Medicine

Cartwright, Tina; Torr, R

doi:10.1177/1359105305053425

Cited by 67 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…They are apt to report feeling more accepted, trusted, and cared for by their CAM provider. 25 Last, patient empowerment is a key component that distinguishes CAM from conventional biomedicine.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Benefit Finding Among Cancer Patients

Garland

Valentine

Desai

et al. 2013

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Benefit Finding Among Cancer Patients

Garland

Valentine

Desai

et al. 2013

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

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“…Several previous studies have similarly noted the 'expanded effects of care' arising from CAM use in the general population (Cartwright & Torr, 2005;Cassidy, 1998;Paterson & Britten, 2003). The impact of chronic illness on mental functioning was 19 particularly salient in participants' accounts, ranging from the psychological challenges of chronic pain to the uncertainty posed by the unpredictability of symptom flare-ups.…”

mentioning

confidence: 91%

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

Cartwright¹

2012

Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine

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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.

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“…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].…”

Section: Quality and Safety Of Cam: Citizens' Attitudes And Needsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Communication between CAM users and providers critically contributes to this perception, particularly the experience of 'having time' for discussion and exploration and 'being listened to', compared to biomedical encounters, as noted in studies from the UK [22,25,58,75,[106][107][108][109], Switzerland [110][111][112][113], Germany [114], Spain [115], Denmark [28] and France [80].…”

Section: Quality and Safety Of Cam: Citizens' Attitudes And Needsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2012

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Background: Surveys from several European countries suggest a European-wide increase in the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). To safeguard citizens’ rights concerning their healthcare, it is critical to gain an overview of citizens’ attitudes and to understand their expectations and needs regarding CAM. Methods: A review of literature was undertaken, based on systematic searches of the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINHAL, AMED, PsycINFO and PsycArticles; 189 articles met inclusion criteria. Articles were analysed thematically and their reporting quality assessed. Results: Despite the limited availability of research-based knowledge about citizens’ attitudes and needs concerning CAM in many European countries, some trends can be noted. Many citizens hold positive attitudes to CAM and wish for increasing access to CAM provision. Citizens call for impartial, reliable and trustworthy information to support informed decision-making, and some citizens wish for greater support and involvement of biomedical healthcare professionals in facilitating their healthcare choices. While citizens value distinct aspects of CAM practice, they are also critical consumers and support clear regulatory and educational frameworks to ensure the quality and safety of CAM provision and medicinal products. Conclusion: To gain knowledge on citizens’ needs and attitudes to CAM across Europe further research is required on 3 main issues: i) how citizens across Europe obtain information about CAM and the needs they may have for trustworthy information sources, ii) the local situations for accessing CAM and iii) citizens’ perspectives on the quality of care and safety of CAM provision and products.

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Making Sense of Illness: The Experiences of Users of Complementary Medicine

Cited by 67 publications

References 28 publications

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Benefit Finding Among Cancer Patients

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use and Benefit Finding Among Cancer Patients

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

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

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