‘No one here's helping me, what do you do?’: addressing patient need for support and advice about stem cell treatments

Abstract

Aim: This article examines how those who contemplate purported stem cell treatments (SCTs) negotiate available information sources and the adequacy of current approaches to guidance and support. Materials & methods: Qualitative interviews undertaken with people who had contemplated or undergone purported SCTs for a range of conditions (n = 24 and n = 27, respectively), as well as professionals who are frequently asked about SCTs (n = 20) were analyzed. Results: Our findings reveal the difficulties for individuals in discriminating between different sources of information on SCTs and the limitations of current responses. Conclusion: In the context of contending information about SCTs informal (‘accidental’) advisors potentially play a crucial role in supporting patients. Additional approaches are also required to better address patients’ needs.