AI Article Synopsis

  • The study focused on the experiences of users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) through in-depth interviews with 11 frequent users.
  • Findings showed that the relationships between patients and practitioners, as well as the explanations provided by CAM, were seen as crucial for the healing process, regardless of the actual effectiveness of the treatments.
  • CAM offered benefits beyond just symptom relief, such as boosting energy, promoting relaxation, and improving self-awareness, highlighting the need to consider these broader impacts when assessing the value of complementary medicine.

Article Abstract

The present study investigated the experiences of users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 frequent users and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results indicated that the patient-practitioner relationship and explanatory frameworks provided by CAM were perceived as important components of the therapeutic process, irrespective of treatment efficacy. CAM served a variety of functions beyond the explicit relief of symptoms by increasing energy and relaxation, facilitating coping and enhancing self/other awareness. It is therefore important that these wider effects are taken into account when evaluating complementary medicine in order to reflect patients' experiences accurately.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359105305053425DOI Listing

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