Complementary Therapy: perceptions of older people with lung or colorectal cancer

Aim: To explore how older people with lung and colorectal cancer <br/>view registered complementary therapy (CT) services in Northern <br/>Ireland. Background: A literature review highlighted gaps around <br/>information, access, and communication between patients and health <br/>professionals regarding CT services. Methods: Using structured <br/>interviews, a survey of 68 patients in one hospital and one hospice was <br/>conducted in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Results: All respondents felt <br/>that CT services should be better promoted and more easily <br/>accessible to older people with cancer. Some patients were concerned <br/>about the lack of written information provided regarding CT services, <br/>which they believed led to poorer uptake and uncertainty regarding <br/>the potential benefits. Others were concerned that engaging in or <br/>disclosing CT usage might negatively affect existing relationships with <br/>medical professionals. Conclusion: Patients should be offered high <br/>quality written information on CT services to enable choice, improve <br/>knowledge, and promote wider access. Increased physician education <br/>may facilitate provision of such information.