‘Conventional and complementary medicine: can they ever work hand in hand?’: An Exploratory study of Therapists views
The use of complementary therapies is gradually increasing and they are becoming an integral part of the palliative stage of cancer care through their provision within hospices around the UK. This exploratory qualitative study aimed: “To explore complementary therapist’s experiences and perceptions...
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| Format: | Dissertation (University of Nottingham only) |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2009
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| Online Access: | https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/23430/ |
| Summary: | The use of complementary therapies is gradually increasing and they are becoming an integral part of the palliative stage of cancer care through their provision within hospices around the UK. This exploratory qualitative study aimed: “To explore complementary therapist’s experiences and perceptions of the provision of complementary therapies for patients in the palliative stage of cancer”
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 complementary therapists who work across three sites within the Nottinghamshire area. The study explored their perceptions of the service they provide, their experiences of working within this service and their perceptions of the benefits of complementary therapies to people in the palliative stages of cancer.
A variety of themes emerged from the interviews. Key aspects of importance were particularly focused around the complementary therapy model, the benefits of the therapies provided, the integration of complementary therapies into NHS and the importance of education of other health care professionals.
A significant finding related to the acknowledgement of the complementary therapists’ role and the professionalisation of their role within the NHS. This study highlighted a need to implement further research focusing on how and where the complementary therapists’ role fits within the NHS model of care. |
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