Exploring patients' interest in complementary therapies in a specialist palliative care unit

BACKGROUND:

The use of complementary therapy has become increasingly integrated into specialist palliative care units (SPCUs).

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate patients' interest in and experience of complementary therapies during their inpatient stay in a SPCU.

METHOD:

All 179 patients admitted to the SPCU over a 3-month period were assessed on admission. Those deemed suitable to participate by the researcher/clinical nurse specialist were invited to participate in this research. A standardised paper questionnaire was completed by the participating patients.

RESULTS:

71 patients (40%) completed the study. Those excluded had cognitive impairment, fatigue, communication difficulties or were imminently dying. Some declined to participate. A variety of age groups and diagnoses were represented. Only 27% of participants had a previous experience of using complementary therapies in the past 12 months. The majority (52%) were 'very interested' in receiving complementary therapy, while 13% reported having 'no interest'. Massage and reflexology were identified as the most popular forms of complementary therapy. The primary anticipated benefits associated with complementary therapy were relaxation and improvement in general wellbeing.

CONCLUSION:

This research has indicated a high level of interest in complementary therapies in the study population, across a wide age range regardless of diagnosis or level of disease.

Attitudes of Terminally Ill Older Adults toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies

Aim: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Discussion: 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.