Lynda G Balneaves1, M E Wong2, A J Porcino3, T L O Truant4, S E Thorne4, S T Wong4,5. 1. College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 89 Curry Place, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada. lynda.balneaves@umanitoba.ca. 2. Vancouver Coastal Health Region, Vancouver, Canada. 3. Touch of Freedom Research Consulting, Vancouver, Canada. 4. School of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. 5. Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular among Chinese-speaking cancer patients (CSCPs), but little research examines CAM use by Canadian CSCPs. The use of CAM is controversial because of potential interactions with conventional cancer treatments. The purpose of this study was to explore CSCPs' use of CAM, sources of CAM information, and decision support needs, as well as their experience of making CAM decisions. METHODS: A sequential, multi-method research design was used: a secondary data analysis of a CAM use survey conducted in a Western Canadian regional cancer agency followed by a qualitative interpretive description approach to inquiry using semi-structured interviews with CSPCs and support persons. RESULTS: More than 65% of CSCPs reported using CAM. CSCPs favored biologically-based therapies, including traditional Chinese medicine herbs and other natural health products. Many CSCPs were using CAM without adequate culturally appropriate information and decision support. Those who made decisions spontaneously relied on peers for advice whereas deliberate decision makers sought information from multiple sources, including peers and the Internet, selecting therapies congruent with their cultural health perspectives and previous experiences with CAM. CSCPs rarely spoke with oncology healthcare providers (HCPs) about CAM use. CONCLUSIONS: CSCPs reported using CAM at rates significantly higher than for non-CSCPs. Given the predominance of biological-based therapies and the lack of consultation with oncology HCPs, it is imperative that CAM use be assessed and documented to ensure CSCPs' safety during cancer treatment. Culturally appropriate information and decision support is required to ensure that CSCPs are making safe and informed CAM decisions.
PURPOSE: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular among Chinese-speaking cancerpatients (CSCPs), but little research examines CAM use by Canadian CSCPs. The use of CAM is controversial because of potential interactions with conventional cancer treatments. The purpose of this study was to explore CSCPs' use of CAM, sources of CAM information, and decision support needs, as well as their experience of making CAM decisions. METHODS: A sequential, multi-method research design was used: a secondary data analysis of a CAM use survey conducted in a Western Canadian regional cancer agency followed by a qualitative interpretive description approach to inquiry using semi-structured interviews with CSPCs and support persons. RESULTS: More than 65% of CSCPs reported using CAM. CSCPs favored biologically-based therapies, including traditional Chinese medicine herbs and other natural health products. Many CSCPs were using CAM without adequate culturally appropriate information and decision support. Those who made decisions spontaneously relied on peers for advice whereas deliberate decision makers sought information from multiple sources, including peers and the Internet, selecting therapies congruent with their cultural health perspectives and previous experiences with CAM. CSCPs rarely spoke with oncology healthcare providers (HCPs) about CAM use. CONCLUSIONS: CSCPs reported using CAM at rates significantly higher than for non-CSCPs. Given the predominance of biological-based therapies and the lack of consultation with oncology HCPs, it is imperative that CAM use be assessed and documented to ensure CSCPs' safety during cancer treatment. Culturally appropriate information and decision support is required to ensure that CSCPs are making safe and informed CAM decisions.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cancer; Chinese-Canadian; Complementary therapies; Immigrants; Qualitative research
Authors: T Zeller; K Muenstedt; C Stoll; J Schweder; B Senf; E Ruckhaeberle; S Becker; H Serve; J Huebner Journal: J Cancer Res Clin Oncol Date: 2012-10-26 Impact factor: 4.553
Authors: Kary Woodruff; Lauren Clark; Elizabeth Joy; Scott A Summers; Julie M Metos; Nica Clark; Kristine C Jordan Journal: Glob Qual Nurs Res Date: 2020-05-04