title: Working out of the 'tool box': an exploratory study with complementary therapists in acute cancer care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this research was to explore and capture complementary therapists' experiences of and preparation for working with patients in an acute cancer care setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi structured interviews with therapists (n = 18) in an acute cancer hospital in the North West of England. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic coding.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Key themes identified included; the need for a 'tool box' of skills that develop beyond those taught in initial training, building confidence when adapting these new skills in practice, helping patients to become empowered, the need to support carers, research evidence and resources issues, and the role of supervision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study was limited by being set in a single acute cancer site. Therapists valued having a 'tool box' but needed confidence and support to navigate the challenges of clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: University of Derby, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McLaren
authors.affiliation: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mackereth
authors.affiliation: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Eileen.hackman@christie.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hackman
authors.affiliation: University of Derby, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Holland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Acute cancer care; Supervision; Therapist; Training; ‘Tool box’