P05.22
Purpose: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used for cancer in China, and almost all the cancer patients would to some degree receive TCM treatment. The reason and attitude toward TCM in cancer field is unknown. This study aims to identify the role of TCM for cancer treatment.
Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interview was taken in in/out-patient sections of four integrative Chinese and Western medicine hospitals in China and thematic analysis was applied
Results: Totally 35 cancer patients, 9 family members, and 3 TCM oncologists were interviewed. Four themes including 1) aim of TCM application, 2) people's satisfaction, 3) understanding and attitude and 4) believe and expectation toward TCM arose. TCM is applied in purpose of regulating the body, improving immunity, maintaining physical strength, and controlling the tumor. The satisfaction and compliance is highly coordinated with the clinical effectiveness. TCM is believed to be long-time intervention adjuvant to conventional treatment in holistic and softer way, which must be taken with or after the surgery or chemoradiotherapy. People have deep trust in the effectiveness of TCM for cancer, and its status and importance is irreplaceable. TCM and Western medicine are indispensable for cancer patients. Compared with Western medicine, although slower, TCM has indelible advantages and value, largely bringing hope to patients and their families. The interviewees also had great expectations for the further development and breakthrough in the applications of TCM in improving quality of life and controlling the tumor, the comprehensive inheriting and wider spread of real TCM expertise, as well as hospital administration.
Conclusion: TCM is considered playing the role adjuvant to conventional treatment, but is highly trusted by cancer patients, their family and oncologists as an indispensable part in cancer clinical applications in China. We suggest the effectiveness of TCM be evaluated in further clinical studies.
Contact: Jianping Liu, jianping_l@hotmail.com
