Clinical supervision and complementary therapists: an exploration of the rewards and challenges of cancer care.

Aim: The study explored the experiences of therapists working in cancer care settings and more specifically, the value of clinical supervision.

Methodology: Invitations for therapists to participate in three focus groups were sent to five cancer care settings. Each group responded to seven trigger questions, formulated from the literature review.

Complementary therapists' motivation to work in cancer/supportive and palliative care: a multi-centre case study.

Purpose: To uncover complementary therapists' motivation to work in cancer/supportive and palliative care.

Method: The study employed a multiple case-study design, involving three cancer/supportive and palliative care settings in the North West of England. A questionnaire survey (n=51) was undertaken, followed by semi-structured interviews with a subgroup of the sample (n=28).

Complementary therapists' training and cancer care: a multi-site study.

Purpose: To explore professional experience and training of complementary therapists working within cancer care.

Method: A Questionnaire survey of complementary therapists practising in three cancer care settings in North West England.

Results: Respondents (n=51; n=47 female; mean age 50 years, range 23-78 years) had varied career backgrounds; 24 were healthcare professionals who also practised as complementary therapists (nurse n=19; physiotherapist n=3; doctor n=2) whilst 27 were complementary therapists with no prior healthcare background.