Family caregivers views and responses to people with cancer who use complementary and alternative medicine

23^rd World Nursing and Healthcare Conference

July 10-12, 2017 Berlin, Germany

Shou-Yu Wang, Ying-Ying Chang and Yu-Ping Huang

Asia University, Taiwan
Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
National Quemoy University, Taiwan

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

A survey indicated that 34% of American had used complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in the previous year. One study found that 95.8% of adults in the community are using CAM in Taiwan. One study explored Australian nurse responses towards cancer patient who use CAM and it was observed that nurses are open, sceptical, or ambivalent towards patients who use CAM. Regarding cancer patientsâ�?�? family responses to cancer patients who use CAM, there are no similar studies to explore in much depth. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore family caregiversâ�?�? views and responses to people with cancer who use CAM in Taiwan. Ground theory (GT) was employed in this study. GT approach is a dynamic process whereby people give meaning to the actions of others. Sixteen participants were recruited and volunteered to participate in this study. Five categories emerge regarding family of cancer patientsâ�?�? responses and actions to people with cancer who use CAM. The process include: CAM use between patients and family, the purposes of using CAM, the actions of using CAM, health care professionalsâ�?�? stand for CAM use and the needs of family caregivers. The core category is â�?�?nothing is more important, as long as he/she is comfortableâ�?. It is expected that this study is able to offer the context of family of cancer patientsâ�?�? responses and actions to people with cancer who use CAM. Furthermore, relevant in-service education can be suggested in order to enhance heath care professionalsâ�?�? understanding regarding family of cancer patientsâ�?�? perspectives regarding CAM.

Biography :

Shou Yu Wang has her expertise in supportive care (especially in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use) and palliative care in cancer. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nursing at the Asia University, Taiwan.