The meaning of complementary therapy from the perspective of Thai women with breast cancer

Abstract

A qualitative study based on Heideggerian phenomenology was conducted with 17 Thai women who had survived breast cancer and had utilized at least one type of complementary therapy. The study explored the meaning of such therapy and the data were collected by an in-depth interview, a demographic data-recording form, and a reflective journal. The data were analyzed by using an interpretative process that was described by Cohen, Kahn, and Steeves. Six themes were generated in relation to the meaning of complementary therapy as perceived by the participants: cancer-controlling treatment; mental strengthening; mind and body therapy; self-determination; natural therapy; and conventional therapy integration. The knowledge gained from this study will help health-care providers better understand the role that complementary therapies play in the lives of women whose lives are threatened by cancer. It is important for health-care providers to be more proactive in the culturally sensitive promotion of using complementary therapies based on the women's values and preferences.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine for patients with traumatic brain injury in Taiwan

“…Some researchers have used quantitative methods to explore the prevalence, effects, and costs of using CAM [3,8,9], whereas others have used qualitative research methods to determine the reasons for CAM use [11,12]. There is a dearth of information about the use of CAM for patients with TBI, a condition that usually occurs following a head injury after sustaining an accident.…”

Integrative and complementary practices in oncologic treatment and the role of nursing

“…It is believed in the existence of 700 species that can act on malignant tumors. 4 The mind-body interventions, in turn, as the prayer of healing, faith 3,18,38,[40][41][42] and meditation 18,24,38,[40][41]44 are also cited with common practices in cancer treatment . In general, regarding the professional performance in the face of PICs, it is observed that the doctor, pharmacist, psychologist and nurse are the closest professional practices, 31 although they have limited knowledge, 17 which requires greater skill in this perspective.…”

“…Thus, such a paradigm innovates when highlights for professional humanistic values, altruistic, spiritual, scientific, existential and raisers of basic care. 46 Thus, the theoretical and practical improvement of the profession is essential,, 4,30,36,40 and that measures glimpsing this perspective should be planned and implemented in order to qualify nursing professionals to work in the perspective of PICs.…”

“…15 Thus, national and international literature reveals that the use of PICs occurs mainly in individuals with malignancies in general as bladder cancer, head and neck, colorectal, kidney, lung, ovarian, prostate, melanoma, skin, gynecological, liver, stomach, lymphoma, leukemia, among others; 3-4,10-11,16-38 being the female audience as participative. 20 In what refers to the specific malignancies, the most discussed in the literature were breast cancer 3,11,20,24,28,[38][39][40][41][42][43] and childhood cancer -lymphoma, leukemia, retinoblastoma and solid tumors. [44][45] In oncology context, the PICs are used in combination with chemotherapy and surgery and clinical cases with poor prognosis.…”

“…3,19,[22][23] It read, also, the use of such practices with the purpose to prevent recurrent cases of the disease. 40 It was found that the biological basis of therapy, with the use of herbal medicine, is the main practice used in cancer treatment, 4,16,19,28,34,[37][38]41,[44][45] then supplements and diet. [19][20]27,34,38,[41][42][44][45] It is seen from this perspective that, among the types of alternatives, that have been emphasized is the herbal medicine.…”