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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.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge all participants in the study. The work was supported, in part, by a grant (K15060) from the Korea Institute of Korean Medicine, and the Korean Medicine R & D Program funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (HI11C2142).
Declaration of interest
None of the authors declare conflicts of interest in this paper.
Supplementary material available online http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/21678421.2015.1125504