Experience of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their families: A qualitative study

The purpose of this study was to explore the life experience related to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Data were collected though semi-structured interviews of nine patients with ALS and seven family members, who have used CA...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal degeneration 2016-05, Vol.17 (3-4), p.191-197
Main Authors: Kim, Sungha, Chung, Seung Eun, Lee, Sanghun, Park, Jeonghwan, Choi, Sunmi, Kim, Sungchul
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
alternative medicine
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - psychology
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - therapy
Complementary medicine
Complementary Therapies - methods
Family Health
Female
Humans
Interview, Psychological
Male
Middle Aged
motor neuron disease
Qualitative Research
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tape Recording
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The purpose of this study was to explore the life experience related to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Data were collected though semi-structured interviews of nine patients with ALS and seven family members, who have used CAM. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and checked for accuracy. The Giorgi's method of phenomenology was used for data analysis. Five constituents forming the units of meaning were: facing the limits of conventional medicine; getting to know CAM; recognizing the ineffectiveness of CAM; using CAM for symptomatic treatment; and seeking new CAM endlessly for complete cure. The study results provide an in-depth understanding of experience with CAM among patients with ALS and their family members. Healthcare providers must give accurate information about the efficacy of CAM as well as its safety and possible adverse effects and should offer patient-centred treatment through active communication throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment.
ISSN:2167-8421
2167-9223
DOI:10.3109/21678421.2015.1125504