ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of patients with cancer consult with homeopaths. No former qualitative study has reported on experiences with homeopathy in this patient group. This study aimed to learn about the reasons for, and experiences with, treatment provided by homeopaths among Danish patients with cancer. METHODS: A small qualitative semi-structured interview study was carried out to collect preliminary knowledge to learn about reasons for and experiences with treatment provided by homeopaths as an adjunct to usual care among patients with cancer. Thematic analysis was used for the development of themes. RESULTS: Five patients, diagnosed with cancer, were interviewed. On the basis of qualitative interviews five themes emerged: concerns and hopes, obstacles and support, internal health locus of control, whole person approach, and improved well-being. CONCLUSION: The cancer patients in this study sought homeopathy to address their hopes and concerns and to help them face obstacles and find support. They were actively taking responsibility for their own health and valued the whole person approach used by their homeopaths. Participants reported improved well-being both at the physical and mental levels. The results provide a basis for further research to learn more from patients' experiences with this intervention. Such knowledge could potentially be helpful to improve healthcare practitioners' communication with patients, and thereby patients' overall care.
Subject(s)
Complementary Therapies/standards , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Complementary Therapies/methods , Denmark , Female , Homeopathy/methods , Homeopathy/standards , Humans , Interviews as Topic/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Public beliefs about appropriate treatment impact, help-seeking and treatment adherence. AIM: To determine the recommendations of the Sardinian public for the treatment of depression. METHODS: In 2012, a population-based survey was conducted by phone in Sardinia (N = 1,200). In the context of a fully structured interview, respondents were presented with a vignette depicting a case of depression. Subsequently, they were asked about their treatment recommendations. The results are contrasted with findings from a similar survey which had been conducted in Vienna 3 years before. RESULTS: In Sardinia as in Vienna, psychotherapy was the uncontested favorite, while antidepressant medication was recommended by relatively few respondents. In Sardinia, there were also no marked differences between urban and rural areas with regard to these two treatments. However, between Sardinia and Vienna, as well as within Sardinia, great differences were found with regard to autogenic training and 'alternative' methods like homeopathic medicines and acupuncture. CONCLUSION: Cross-cultural comparisons may help better understand treatment preferences of the public. In Sardinia, as in Vienna, there seems to be a need for improving the public's knowledge about the appropriate treatment of depression.
Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , Depressive Disorder/therapy , Health Care Surveys/statistics & numerical data , Health Services Needs and Demand/statistics & numerical data , Public Opinion , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Aged , Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use , Austria , Complementary Therapies/methods , Complementary Therapies/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Cultural Comparison , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic/methods , Italy , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Psychotherapy/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the UK, medicines are being reclassified from prescription-only drugs to allow supply without prescription. This allows faster and easier access to medicines to treat minor ailments and allows patients to take greater responsibility for their health. However, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may pose risks to patients; thus, it is important to understand patients' OTC medicine use. OBJECTIVE: To assess use of OTC drugs prior to and during hospital stay of inpatients of all ages and specialties. METHODS: Data were collected for 186 randomly selected patients. Patients were interviewed about OTC medicine use. Clinical notes and drug charts were examined for documentation of OTC medicine use. RESULTS: A total of 268 OTC medicines were used by 119 (64.0%) patients, and 117 (43.7%) were taken at least daily. Only 13 (4.9%) OTC drugs were recorded in the drug history taken at admission. Twenty-six (9.7%) OTC agents were still taken during hospitalization, but only 8 (31%) were recorded on drug charts. Patients bought 183 (68.3%) items from pharmacies, 28 (10.4%) in health food shops, and 57 (21.7%) elsewhere including supermarkets, homeopaths, or mail order. Patients had little knowledge of potential adverse effects or contraindications. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients use OTC medication prior to and during hospital stay, but documentation in hospital notes is poor. Healthcare professionals must pay closer attention to patients' use of OTC drugs.