Journal
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS AND FRONTOTEMPORAL DEGENERATION
Volume 17, Issue 3-4, Pages 191-197Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1125504
Keywords
Complementary medicine; alternative medicine; motor neuron disease; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; qualitative research
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Funding
- Korea Institute of Korean Medicine, and the Korean Medicine R & D Program - Ministry of Health Welfare [K15060]
- Korea Health Industry Development Institute [HI11C2142]
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The purpose of this study was to explore the life experience related to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Data were collected though semi-structured interviews of nine patients with ALS and seven family members, who have used CAM. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and checked for accuracy. The Giorgi's method of phenomenology was used for data analysis. Five constituents forming the units of meaning were: facing the limits of conventional medicine; getting to know CAM; recognizing the ineffectiveness of CAM; using CAM for symptomatic treatment; and seeking new CAM endlessly for complete cure. The study results provide an in-depth understanding of experience with CAM among patients with ALS and their family members. Healthcare providers must give accurate information about the efficacy of CAM as well as its safety and possible adverse effects and should offer patient-centred treatment through active communication throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment.
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