The use of complementary and alternative therapy by advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care at home

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) by palliative care patients treated at home in Poland. Patients and methods: A total of 241 adult patients with advanced or metastatic cancer who were qualified for palliative care provided at home filled out the CAT screening tool. Data were analysed to assess CAT use association with several variables. Results: 82.16% of individuals who completed the survey declared using CAT at least once in the last 12 months. Self-help practices were the most used CAT category (74.47%), it was followed by herbal medicine and dietary supplements (62.66%) and visits to CAT providers (41.91%). CAT use was more prevalent among women, patients with basic education, and patients currently married and widowed. The most common reason pointed for using CAT was to improve well-being (35.4%). 50.5% of CAT users declared that they find used therapy helpful or very helpful. The study revealed an exceptionally high prevalence of spiritual practices (self-prayer, spiritual healing) in comparison to previous European studies conducted among the cancer patient population. Conclusions: The study indicated that usage of CAT among advanced cancer patients treated at home is significant, with a higher prevalence of spiritual practices than reported in previous studies among cancer patients in Europe.