Complementary therapies: making a difference in palliative care

Palliative care is concerned with people who have a life-threatening illness and has been at the forefront of incorporating complementary therapies into orthodox care. The reasons why such people are likely to seek out complementary therapies and recent research that links the two movements are discussed. The main focus is on the innovative programme of complementary therapies offered to both patients and carers by North Devon Hospice. Thirty-eight patients and carers discussed the provision of complementary therapies in focus groups. The therapies were seen as being an integral part of the Hospice's provision and valuable as a means of introducing people to other services offered by the Hospice. Both potential benefits and possible problems are also discussed. Suggestions are made for expanding the provision of the therapies and to improve access to them.