An Exploration of the Perceived Impact of Receiving Complementary Therapies on Service Users During the Palliative and End-of-Life Care Phase: A Qualitative Pilot Study

Vickers, Jason; Nyatanga, Brian; Holden, Hayley

Abstract

There is a growing recognition of the benefits of Complementary Therapies as reported by service users and informal carers supporting them. Individuals are drawn to Complementary Therapies due to their emphasis on personal well-being, which encourage a "self-care" model of health. Approximately 10% of the UK population has used Complementary Therapies.
Aim: To explore and understand the narratives of service users in the palliative care setting regarding the value they place on Complementary Therapies and their perceived impact on overall well-being. Methods: This qualitative pilot study, employing a narrative inquiry method, used purposive sampling to recruit and interview eleven service users receiving Complementary Therapies in a hospice setting. Data were analysed using a two-cycle coding approach, through manual inductive recognition of patterns. Findings: Three themes were identified: Developing Trust in Complementary Therapy; Informal Psychological Support; and Applications to Everyday Life. The benefits derived from Complementary Therapy sessions include managing anxiety and stress, developing better sleep strategies, and devising coping techniques for personal situations and contexts through guided discussions and personal reflection. Implications: The study suggests a need for further inquiry and professional Complementary Therapist development to fully harness the therapeutic potential of Complementary Therapy in a palliative care context. There is potential for palliative settings that incorporate and provide Complementary Therapies to enhance the role that Complementary Therapy services play in facilitating coping abilities, reducing anxiety, and potentially improving sleep and pain management.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 31, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 17, 2025
• Print ISSN: 1357-6321
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed