Views of Conventional Medicine and Integrative Medicine among Informal Dementia Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals in NW England

Abstract

The urgent need for innovative approaches to dementia treatment that are acceptable, effective and affordable underlies this research. Growing evidence supports 'integrative medicine' as a potential treatment approach aligned with and including conventional medicine. However, success will depend on addressing barriers, recognising needs of diverse communities and involving people in co-creating desired interventions. The three aims of this study were to, 1) describe conventional allopathic medicine and integrative or functional medicine (I/FM) approaches for dementia treatment in NW England; 2) to explore the views of informal dementia caregivers and service users, compared to healthcare professionals on the benefits and barriers to providing and receiving these two approaches. Thirdly, we engaged caregivers and service users in co-creating a vision for dementia treatment based on their needs and expectations. We conducted semi-structured interviews, focus groups and a deliberative workshop. Data were analysed using framework analysis. A total of 49 participants reported benefits and barriers to providing and receiving treatments. Themes related to inequalities of socioeconomics and access, cultural influences, disempowerment, demotivation and physician pressures. For instance, the NHS conventional medicine