癌症患者對於非西醫的補充與另類療法之使用經驗：以乳癌病患為例

Experience of Patients with Breast Cancer in Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine

郭淑珍

《人文社會與醫療學刊》 2期 (2015/05) Pp. 41-67

https://doi.org/10.6279/JHSSM.2015.2(1).03

摘要

台灣過去有關癌症病患使用非西醫的補充與另類療法之研究，大多為量性研究，主要為描述使用率或是使用那些樣式的療法，卻較少探索病患使用的經驗與觀點；因此本研究透過深入訪談，訪問15位乳癌病患使用非西醫的補充與另類療法之歷程。研究初步發現15位受訪者皆以西醫療法為主，非西醫的補充與另類療法作為輔助。受訪者之所以會採用非西醫的補充與另類療法，與過去負面求醫經驗、輔助西醫的治療、矯正引發疾病的原因、心理支持、以及人際互動等因素的影響。受訪者的訊息來源是多元，然而受訪者並非被動的接收訊息，大多會進一步加以查證。受訪者使用這些療法後，透過身體具體的改善，和心理、情緒的穩定來肯定療效；但也有少數受訪者對於這類療法，沒有明確科學研究證明療效而存疑。雖然大部分受訪者肯定非西醫的補充與另類療法之療效，但是其所花費的時間、金錢，以及對日常生活、家人互動造成的負面影響，產生持續使用的困境；此外，不同的療者有時說法不一致，也造成其心理壓力。受訪者大多不會主動與西醫師討論使用非西醫的補充與另類療法相關之議題，如有討論也大多只針對保健品。建議臨床癌症醫療團隊人員應以更開放的態度，主動了解癌症病人使用非西醫的補充與另類療法之原因，與病患討論並提供相關知識，以增進癌症照護品質。

關鍵字

補充與另類療法 ； 乳癌 ； 質性研究

並列摘要

Previous scholars investigating the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by cancer patients in Taiwan have typically conducted quantitative research that described the rate of usage and types of therapy used. Few studies have examined the experiences and perspectives of patients who used CAM therapies. We conducted in-depth interviews with 15 patients with breast cancer on their experience in using CAM therapy. The research findings revealed that all 15 patients received Western medicine treatments supplemented with CAM therapy. These interviewees used CAM therapy because they had negative treatment-seeking experiences. In addition, they selected CAM therapy to supplement their Western medicine treatment, cure the causes of the disease, receive psychological support, and facilitate their interpersonal interaction. Although the interviewees received information from various sources, they did not receive such information passively. Most of them would verify the sources. After using CAM therapy, the interviewees recognized the effectiveness of the therapy when they perceived improved physical health and psychological and emotional stability. However, several interviewees remained doubtful about the CAM therapy because no specific scientific evidence has proved its effectiveness. Although most interviewees recognized the effectiveness of CAM, they were hesitant to continue this therapy because it is time-consuming and expensive and negatively influences their daily life and interaction with family members. Furthermore, different CAM therapists provided distinct opinions, which induced psychological stress in these interviewees. Most of the interviewees did not actively discuss CAM-related topics with their Western medicine physicians. Even when they did, they merely discussed health care products. We suggest that medical professionals specializing in clinical cancer care should hold an open attitude toward CAM therapy, actively understand why cancer patients use CAM therapy, discuss CAM-related matters with patients, and educate patients on CAM, to ultimately improve the quality of cancer care.

並列關鍵字

Complementary and alternative medicine ； breast cancer ； qualitative study