Patients’ Perceptions of Korean Medicine Treatment for Osteoporosis in a Clinical Trial of an Osteoporosis Herbal Medicine Drug: a Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective This research aimed to understand patients’ perceptions of Korean medicine treatment for osteoporosis in a clinical trial setting. Methods Ten patients participating in a clinical trial of a herbal medicine drug for osteoporosis were invited to an interview. Data were collected by in-depth interviews and patient observations. This qualitative study adopted the case study research method, and within-case and cross-case analyses were conducted. Results A model of the patients’ osteoporosis management planning was derived from the study. The results showed that the patients’ perceptions of osteoporosis were derived from their knowledge and experience during diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Two groups of patients were recognized: those who overlooked the importance of osteoporosis and those who recognized the importance of osteoporosis. Before making treatment decisions about osteoporosis, the patients evaluated the treatment options and weighed the advantages and disadvantages of each option. When evaluating their treatment, the patients combined their knowledge and experience of Korean and western medicine treatments. Their experience of participating in the clinical trial influenced the management planning of osteoporosis. Two major reasons for low compliance with osteoporosis treatment were ignorance of the disease and insufficient information provided by doctors. Conclusion The results of this qualitative study pointed to four strategies that could be employed to improve accessibility to Korean medicine treatment for osteoporosis: the dissemination of comprehensive information on osteoporosis in the clinic and mass media, promotion of Korean medicine therapies for osteoporosis, management of clinical trial participants, and insurance coverage for Korean medicine. Keywords: osteoporosis, qualitative study, Korean medicine treatment, case study research, clinical trial, herbal medicine drug, perception