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Complementary/alternative medicine in chronic illness as informed self-care decision making.
Sally Thorne1, Barbara Paterson, Cynthia Russell
1UBC School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2B5. thorne@nursing.ubc.ca
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|September 17, 2002
Summary
Individuals with chronic illness use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as part of self-care, not as a rejection of conventional treatments. This pragmatic approach reflects personal health responsibility and aims to improve quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Health behavior research
- Patient self-management strategies
- Integrative medicine
Background:
- Understanding patient motivations for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in chronic illness is limited.
- Existing research often overlooks the role of CAM within broader self-care practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To interpret the rationale behind decisions to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and products among individuals with chronic illness.
- To explore the role of CAM within the context of self-care decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative secondary analysis of existing study data on self-care decision-making in chronic illness.
- Interpretation of patient rationales for engaging with CAM.
Main Results:
- CAM use is a integral part of self-care management for chronic illness.
- Patients do not view CAM as a rejection of conventional medicine or a pursuit of a cure.
- CAM engagement signifies personal health responsibility and a pragmatic approach to living with chronic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a key component of self-care for individuals managing chronic conditions.
- CAM use reflects a proactive and pragmatic approach to health, emphasizing personal responsibility.
- Findings challenge the perception of CAM as solely an alternative or rejection of conventional medical care.