title: An oasis in the hospital: the perceived benefits of a cancer support center in a hospital setting offering complementary therapies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of persons attending a cancer support center, providing emotional support to cancer patients through self-selected complementary therapies offered free of charge through qualified volunteer therapists. A grounded theory methodology was used. Sources of data were 16 semistructured interviews with persons attending the center. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overarching theme that emerged in this study was the benefits attributed to attendance at the cancer support center. The center was described as an "oasis" in the hospital, and three aspects relating to this were identified: (a) facilitating comfort, (b) increasing personal control, and (c) helping make sense of the cancer experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A drop-in center offering complementary therapies appeared to enable coping with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer by facilitating comfort and increasing perceptions of personal control. The center also helped some participants to make sense of their experience with cancer. This research has provided a unique insight into the ongoing emotional needs of cancer patients, and directions for further development and research into the provision of holistic care for patients within a hospital setting.
authors.affiliation: Edith Cowan UniversitySolarisCare FoundationSir Charles Gairdner Hospital a.williams@ecu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Notre Dame UniversityBrightwater Care GroupEdith Cowan University.
authors.forename: Caroline E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Bulsara
authors.affiliation: Sir Charles Gairdner HospitalSolarisCare FoundationUniversity of Western Australia.
authors.forename: David J L
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Joske
authors.affiliation: SolarisCare FoundationEdith Cowan University.
authors.forename: Anna S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Petterson
authors.affiliation: Sir Charles Gairdner HospitalUniversity of Western Australia.
authors.forename: Anna K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Nowak
authors.affiliation: University of Western Australia.
authors.forename: Kellie S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: cancer patients; clinical/focus area; empowerment; psychological well-being; psychosocial