Use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine in Chinese paediatric patients receiving palliative care: a multicentre study

Abstract

Parents of children receiving palliative care (PPC) may turn to traditional, complementary and integrative medicines (TCIM); however, related studies are limited. This study examined the pattern of TCIM use in this population. Sixty-one parents in Hong Kong were recruited and surveyed. Over half (42/61) reported TCIM use, most commonly Chinese herbal medicine and massage/TuiNa. The most common reason for not using TCIM was the lack of information (11/19). In general, parents had expressed interests in TCIM. Policy makers should consider multidisciplinary and collaborative integration of TCIM in routine PPC.