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Complementary therapists' motivation to work in cancer/supportive and palliative care: a multi-centre case study
Mackereth Peter1, Carter Ann, Parkin Sam
1The Christie Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, University of Derby, UK. peter.mackereth@christie.nhs.uk
Purpose:
To uncover complementary therapists' motivation to work in cancer/supportive and palliative care.
Method:
The study employed a multiple case-study design, involving three cancer/supportive and palliative care settings in the North West of England. A questionnaire survey (n=51) was undertaken, followed by semi-structured interviews with a subgroup of the sample (n=28).
Results:
Participants had a mean age of 50 years, were predominantly female and had varied career backgrounds, including prior professional experience in healthcare, teaching and private complementary therapy practice. Motivation for working in cancer/supportive and palliative care included vocational drive with a desire to provide individualised treatment and adopt a person centred, empowering and caring approach; disillusionment with conventional care; career development and personal experience of cancer or other serious illness.
Conclusion:
Findings indicated that motivational factors for therapists working in cancer care/supportive and palliative care were varied and highlighted a combination of 'push and pull' factors, particularly for therapists who are also health care practitioners. Further research related to volunteering, sustainable services and support and training for therapists is required.
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