Decision-making related to complementary and alternative medicine use by people with Type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore how complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) users make decisions about CAM use. Specifically, an exploration of the processes used by people with Type 2 diabetes, related to the assessment of information sources, factors influencing decision-making and the role of other key individuals, was undertaken.


BACKGROUND
Patients with chronic illnesses increasingly seek to use CAM to improve their well-being. Currently, however, the decision-making processes related to CAM use among people with Type 2 diabetes are poorly understood.


METHODS
An exploratory study using a naturalistic design, with in-depth semi-structured interviews, was undertaken. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with Type 2 diabetes who used CAM alongside conventional medicine. The data were analysed in a three-step coding process. Ethical approval was gained from a human research ethics committee.


RESULTS
Evidence about CAM use from interview data was consistent with a multi-dimensional decision-making processes used by participants. Four major categories emerged: recognising the need for using CAM; assessing the potential CAM before use; matching CAM use to personal philosophy; and ongoing evaluation of CAM.


CONCLUSIONS
As diabetes affects the entirety of a person's being self-management, incorporating CAMs has become a way of controlling the condition and improving well-being. It is important for health professionals to consider clients' CAM use and to incorporate this information, where appropriate, into management plans.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care professionals should be aware of patients who use CAM while under conventional medical care and should discuss CAM use at various points in the client journey to facilitate better communication.
School of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. chang369@gmail.com
Hsiao-Yun Annie
HY
Chang
Marianne
M
Wallis
Evelin
E
Tiralongo
Hui Lan
HL
Wang
D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003657:Decision Making; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013624:Taiwan