A Community of Healing: Psychosocial Functions of Integrative Medicine Perceived by Oncology Patients/Survivors, Healthcare Professionals, and CAM Providers

Abstract

ObjectiveA whole systems research approach was used to explore the psychosocial functions attributed to an Integrative Medicine oncology program. Field research was conducted at a cancer clinic to answer the following questions: (1) what meanings do the participants attribute to the Integrative Medicine oncology program; (2) what contributes to sustaining the Integrative Medicine program; and (3) what role does the Integrative Medicine program play in the lives of the participants. MethodsParticipant observation and in-depth interviews were conducted at a community-based cancer clinic that offers various complementary modalities along with conventional cancer treatments. ParticipantsThe data were obtained from a total of 23 participants including cancer patients/survivors, caregivers, volunteers who provided the complementary therapies, and healthcare professionals at the clinic. ResultsResults indicated that the Integrative Medicine program had three major psychosocial functions for those involved. Participants viewed the Integrative Medicine program as a place (1) to exchange health/medical information and learn from others' experiences and expertise, (2) to give and receive emotional support, and (3) for the individual to act on his/her transformed new identity and new life goals through serving others. ConclusionsThe results illustrate the positive psychosocial impacts an Integrative Medicine program may bring to individuals involved in it and suggest the value of using a whole systems research (WSR) approach to Integrative Medicine research.