Positive Health Online

Abstract

RAHIM-JAMAL and COLLEAGUES, Centre for Healthy Aging at Providence, 4865 Heather Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. srahimjamal@providencehealth.bc.ca conducted a pilot study to explore the extent of hospice residents' interest and openness to CAM use.

Background

While complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can improve quality of life at end of life, little research exists on hospice residents' interest in using and sharing CAM experiences with a partner/friend/other family member.

Methodology

A pilot study conducted in British Columbia, Canada explored the extent of hospice residents' interest and openness to CAM use. A convenience sample of 48 hospice residents from 9 hospice sites completed questionnaire-based interviews.

Results

The majority of participants were Caucasian women over 60 years old. 81 percent expressed interest in receiving CAM; 79 percent used CAM prior to entering the hospice setting. 50 percent of those interested in using CAM felt their partner/friend/other family member would also be interested in receiving CAM, and half of that 50 percent reported personal interest in sharing the experience. Reasons reported for CAM interest were to enhance well-being, relaxation, and for pain relief.

Conclusion

Further research could explore how resident-caregiver dyads may benefit from shared CAM experiences over the illness trajectory.

References

Rahim-Jamal S, Sarte A, Kozak J, Bodell K, Barroetavena MC, Gallagher R and Leis A. Hospice residents' interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) at end of life: a pilot study in hospice residences in British Columbia. Source Journal of Palliative Care. 27(2):134-40, 2011.