Patient Decision-Making about Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Management: Context and Process

Author:

Balneaves L. G.,Weeks L.,Seely D.

Abstract

Objective: In this paper, we set out to describe the personal and social contexts of treatment decisions made by cancer patients concerning complementary and alternative medicine (cam) and also the process through which cancer patients reach cam decisions throughout the cancer trajectory. Methods: We selected and reviewed a variety of cam decision-making models published in the past 10 years within the Canadian health literature. Results: The cam decision-making process is influenced by a variety of sociodemographic, disease-related, psychological, and social factors. We reviewed four main phases of the cam decision-making process:(1) Taking stock of treatment options; (2) Gathering and evaluating cam information; (3) Making cam decisions; (4) Revisiting the cam decision. Immediately following diagnosis, cancer patients become interested in taking stock of the full spectrum of conventional and cam treatment options that may enhance the effectiveness of their treatment and mediate potential side effects. Information about cam is then gathered from numerous information sources that vary in terms of credibility and scientific legitimacy, and is evaluated. When making a decision regarding cam options, patients attempt to make sense of the diverse information obtained, while acknowledging their beliefs and values. The cam decision is often revisited at key milestones, such as the end of conventional treatment and when additional information about disease, prognosis, and treatment is obtained. Conclusions: The cam decision-making process is a dynamic and iterative process that is influenced by a complex array of personal and social factors. Oncology health professionals need to be prepared to offer decision support related to cam throughout the cancer trajectory.

Publisher

MDPI AG

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3