The Use of Contemporary Therapies in Veterans Receiving Treatment for Cancer
Abstract
The use of complementary therapies in veterans with cancer who are undergoing treatment has been understudied in the literature. The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of complementary therapy use in veterans who received either chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation or biotherapy treatment for cancer. This descriptive study consisted of a convenience sample of 30 outpatient adult cancer patients, recruited from a local veteran's hospital. The Complementary Rating Scale (TCRS) was used to determine the use of various methods of complementary therapy. This instrument consisted of 14 items that were rated on a Likert-type scale. The scale also utilized an open-ended question designed to explore other complementary therapies used that were not identified on the scale. Patients were approached in waiting areas before their scheduled therapy. Coded surveys were used to ensure patient confidentiality. Results revealed that vitamins, the most frequently used item, were identified by 76.7% (n = 23) of veterans. This was followed by music, (70%, n = 21), and prayer, (70%, n = 21). Higher education level was significantly related to increased use of prayer (r = -.406, p = .029), use of vitamins (r = -.377, p = .044), and use of herbs or other health food items (r = - .394, p = .035). Twenty-eight of the 30 patients (93.3%) reported using more than one type of complementary therapy. This demonstrated that a higher likelihood existed of using more than one therapy versus a single therapy alone. There were several other therapies cited in the qualitative question about use of other items not listed on the scale. The other category of included items, they felt were helpful for them, were defined by the patient as hobbies, sports, individual exercise and four that listed spousal support as therapies. Nursing's awareness of the most current and common complementary therapies used has become increasing important.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378736
Entities
People
- Rose M. Bell
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology