Explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Chinese gynaecological patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a qualitative phenomenological study
Objectives To explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by Chinese gynaecological oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy and discuss measures to address the existing gaps.Design Qualitative phenomenology. Semistructured in-depth interview. Colaizzi’s method data analysis.Set...
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BMJ Publishing Group
2023-12-01
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| Series: | BMJ Open |
| Online Access: | https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/12/e074313.full |
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| author | Jianjun Zhang Yan Zuo Xinru Liu Biru Luo Yalin He |
| author_facet | Jianjun Zhang Yan Zuo Xinru Liu Biru Luo Yalin He |
| author_sort | Jianjun Zhang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objectives To explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by Chinese gynaecological oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy and discuss measures to address the existing gaps.Design Qualitative phenomenology. Semistructured in-depth interview. Colaizzi’s method data analysis.Setting A tertiary general hospital.Participants 16 gynaecological oncology patients (mean age 51.7) having undergone ≥1 chemotherapy cycle were recruited by purposive sampling.Results Six themes were generated. The participants were under-informed about CAM concept and options. They were open to explore various modalities after chemotherapy as long as it could alleviate symptoms. The gynaecological patients with cancer sought information about CAM from diverse sources, with professional expertise being the most desirable way to seek information. They used CAM as a strategy to support continued chemotherapy and for symptom alleviation. Financial burden was not stressed but they had concerns about sustainability of some therapies. Their attitudes toward different CAM types varied. Some were sceptical about the efficacy.Conclusions The Chinese gynaecological oncology patients may be under-informed about CAM. They are open to use various CAM therapies for symptom relief and as a support strategy. However, their attitudes toward specific therapies may vary. Some may host scepticism about certain CAM modalities. The patients actively seek information on CAM and treatment resources but prefer professional expertise to other sources. Financial burden due to continued CAM use is inconclusive due to possible sampling bias. Sustainability of CAM therapies is a common concern because of limited resources and access. Education on CAM should be incorporated into the curriculum of healthcare professionals. Oncologists and nurses should educate gynaecological patients with cancer on the concept and options of CAM, preferably with information tailored to patient’s individual needs. Health authorities should advocate provisions of diverse CAM services and develop the necessary technologies such as network of local care resources. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cbba2f5c0c5c4469bdbf609bc5bf1ace |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2044-6055 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | BMJ Publishing Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMJ Open |
| spelling | doaj-art-cbba2f5c0c5c4469bdbf609bc5bf1ace2025-08-20T03:10:57ZengBMJ Publishing GroupBMJ Open2044-60552023-12-01131210.1136/bmjopen-2023-074313Explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Chinese gynaecological patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a qualitative phenomenological studyJianjun Zhang0Yan Zuo1Xinru Liu2Biru Luo3Yalin He4Thoracic Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, UKWest China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaDepartment of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Chinaassociate professorDepartment of Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University / West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University / Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaObjectives To explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by Chinese gynaecological oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy and discuss measures to address the existing gaps.Design Qualitative phenomenology. Semistructured in-depth interview. Colaizzi’s method data analysis.Setting A tertiary general hospital.Participants 16 gynaecological oncology patients (mean age 51.7) having undergone ≥1 chemotherapy cycle were recruited by purposive sampling.Results Six themes were generated. The participants were under-informed about CAM concept and options. They were open to explore various modalities after chemotherapy as long as it could alleviate symptoms. The gynaecological patients with cancer sought information about CAM from diverse sources, with professional expertise being the most desirable way to seek information. They used CAM as a strategy to support continued chemotherapy and for symptom alleviation. Financial burden was not stressed but they had concerns about sustainability of some therapies. Their attitudes toward different CAM types varied. Some were sceptical about the efficacy.Conclusions The Chinese gynaecological oncology patients may be under-informed about CAM. They are open to use various CAM therapies for symptom relief and as a support strategy. However, their attitudes toward specific therapies may vary. Some may host scepticism about certain CAM modalities. The patients actively seek information on CAM and treatment resources but prefer professional expertise to other sources. Financial burden due to continued CAM use is inconclusive due to possible sampling bias. Sustainability of CAM therapies is a common concern because of limited resources and access. Education on CAM should be incorporated into the curriculum of healthcare professionals. Oncologists and nurses should educate gynaecological patients with cancer on the concept and options of CAM, preferably with information tailored to patient’s individual needs. Health authorities should advocate provisions of diverse CAM services and develop the necessary technologies such as network of local care resources.https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/12/e074313.full |
| spellingShingle | Jianjun Zhang Yan Zuo Xinru Liu Biru Luo Yalin He Explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Chinese gynaecological patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a qualitative phenomenological study BMJ Open |
| title | Explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Chinese gynaecological patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a qualitative phenomenological study |
| title_full | Explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Chinese gynaecological patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a qualitative phenomenological study |
| title_fullStr | Explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Chinese gynaecological patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a qualitative phenomenological study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Chinese gynaecological patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a qualitative phenomenological study |
| title_short | Explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Chinese gynaecological patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a qualitative phenomenological study |
| title_sort | explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine among chinese gynaecological patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy a qualitative phenomenological study |
| url | https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/12/e074313.full |
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