Cancer care experiences and the use of complementary and alternative medicine at end of life in Nova Scotia's Black Communities.
OBJECTIVE
This qualitative study examines the meanings that African Canadians living in Nova Scotia, Canada, ascribe to their experiences with cancer, family caregiving, and their use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) at end of life.


METHODS
Case study methodology using in-depth interviews were used to examine the experiences of caregivers of decedents who died from cancer in three families.


RESULTS
For many African Canadians end of life is characterized by care provided by family and friends in the home setting, community involvement, a focus on spirituality, and an avoidance of institutionalized health services. Caregivers and their families experience multiple challenges (and multiple demands). There is evidence to suggest that the use of CAM and home remedies at end of life are common.


CONCLUSIONS
The delivery of palliative care to African Canadian families should consider and support their preference to provide end-of-life care in the home setting.
Maddalena
Victor J
VJ
Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Nova Scotia, Canada. victor.maddalena@med.mun.ca
Bernard
Wanda Thomas
WT
Etowa
Josephine
J
Murdoch
Sharon Davis
SD
Smith
Donna
D
Marsh Jarvis
Phyllis
P
D000328:Adult; D044383:Black People; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D009674:Nova Scotia; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012111:Residence Characteristics