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T hai nurses’ perspectives on the use of complementary and alternative medicine among T hai breast cancer survivors in northern T hailand
Author(s) -
Wanchai Ausanee,
Armer Jane M,
Stewart Bob R
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/ijn.12231
Subject(s) - breast cancer , referral , medicine , cancer , family medicine , health care , meaning (existential) , nursing , oncology , psychology , psychotherapist , economics , economic growth
Breast cancer survivors are more likely to seek complementary and alternative medicine ( CAM ) for their health and well‐being than other cancer patient s. The purpose of the study was to describe how T hai nurses perceive the use of CAM in T hai breast cancer survivors. An ethno‐nursing research method was used. Fifteen T hai nurses who had experience in taking care of T hai breast cancer survivors who used CAM from a tertiary care referral and resource centre in the lower northern part of T hailand were interviewed. Two major themes emerged from this study: Meaning of care practices in CAM was seen as: (i) an additional beneficial choice for health; and (ii) emotional and psychological healing. Nurses should be concerned about CAM use in T hai breast cancer survivors. Open communication about CAM helps ensure that safe and holistic care is provided. Further research to enhance integration of CAM into health care is needed.