Attitudes of terminally ill older adults toward complementary and alternative medicine therapies

The aim of this study was to characterize the attitudes of older adults on an inpatient palliative care unit toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies.

A consecutive sample of 33 inpatients (61 to 98 years old) completed a questionnaire that examined their attitudes toward CAM to determine the acceptability of these therapies. Corresponding questionnaires were gathered from 10 substitute decision makers (SDMs). Preferences for specific CAM modalities were identified. Correlational analyses were performed between interest in CAM therapies and demographic variables and clinical status, including physical and psychological distress.

A total of 27 patients (82 percent) were interested in trying CAM therapies. The greatest interest was shown in music therapy (61 percent) and massage therapy (58 percent). All of the SDMs were interested in having CAM therapies available for their loved ones to try.

Attitudes toward CAM therapies of terminally ill older inpatients and their SDMs are highly favourable. CAM treatments merit closer evaluation as a means of enhancing end-of-life care.