title: Experience of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their families: A qualitative study.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the life experience related to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Data were collected though semi-structured interviews of nine patients with ALS and seven family members, who have used CAM. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and checked for accuracy. The Giorgi's method of phenomenology was used for data analysis. Five constituents forming the units of meaning were: facing the limits of conventional medicine; getting to know CAM; recognizing the ineffectiveness of CAM; using CAM for symptomatic treatment; and seeking new CAM endlessly for complete cure. The study results provide an in-depth understanding of experience with CAM among patients with ALS and their family members. Healthcare providers must give accurate information about the efficacy of CAM as well as its safety and possible adverse effects and should offer patient-centred treatment through active communication throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: a Korean Medicine Life Science, University of Science and Technology , Daejeon .|b Korea Medicine Fundamental Research Division , Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon .
authors.forename: Sungha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: c Department of Nursing , Korea National University of Transportation , Jeungpyeong-gun , and.
authors.forename: Seung Eun
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: a Korean Medicine Life Science, University of Science and Technology , Daejeon .|b Korea Medicine Fundamental Research Division , Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon .
authors.forename: Sanghun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: b Korea Medicine Fundamental Research Division , Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon .
authors.forename: Jeonghwan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: a Korean Medicine Life Science, University of Science and Technology , Daejeon .|b Korea Medicine Fundamental Research Division , Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon .
authors.forename: Sunmi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: d Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion , Wonkwang University Gwangju Medical Hospital , Gwangju , Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sungchul
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013637:Tape Recording
keywords: Complementary medicine; alternative medicine; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; motor neuron disease; qualitative research