Question

CAM decision-making process is a dynamic and iterative process. The cam decision-making process is influenced by a variety of sociodemographic/culture, disease or symptom related, psychological, and social factors. Describe how you would assist your client in making decisions about the use of a CAM. Please provide a journal article to support your decision making process.

Answer 1

L.G. Balneaves, L. Weeks, and D. Seely,(2000) "Patient decision-making about complementary and alternative medicine in cancer management: context and process" National Cancer Institute of Canada

*Objective :

Describe the personal and social contexts of treatment decisions made by cancer patients concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and also the process through which cancer patients reach CAM decisions throughout the cancer trajectory

*The CAM Decision-Making Process

Unlike the many rational treatment decision-making models presented within the health care literature, the CAM decision-making process has been described as a dynamic and iterative process that is highly variable across individuals. Despite its complex, nonlinear, and individualized nature, some common stages of the CAM decision-making process can be explicated. -Taking Stock of Treatment Options :

Research has shown that the CAM decision-making process begins immediately following a diagnosis of cancer. Despite being emotionally overwhelmed by the news of their diagnosis, most cancer patients are eager to learn about the full spectrum of treatment options and often do not distinguish between conventional and complementary therapies. At the time of diagnosis, patients are particularly interested in CAM therapies that will enhance the effectiveness of their conventional treatment protocols and mediate potential side effects such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and anxiety. However, the already complex decision about whether to use CAM is challenged by concerns held by some patients and their health professionals regarding the potential risks posed by inappropriate CAM use

*Methods

Selected and reviewed a variety of CAM decisionmaking models published in the past 10 years within the Canadian health literature.

*Results :

The CAM decision-making process is influenced by a variety of sociodemographic, disease-related, psychological, and social factors.

Reviewed four main phases of the CAM decision-making process:

• Taking stock of treatment options

• Gathering and evaluating CAM information

• Making CAM decisions

• Revisiting the CAM decision

Immediately following diagnosis, cancer patients become interested in taking stock of the full spectrum of conventional and CAM treatment options that may enhance the effectiveness of their treatment and mediate potential side effects. Information about CAM is then gathered from numerous information sources that vary in terms of credibility and scientific legitimacy and is evaluated. When making a decision regarding CAM options, patients attempt to make sense of the diverse information obtained, while acknowledging their beliefs and values. The CAM decision is often revisited at key milestones, such as the end of conventional treatment and when additional information about the disease, prognosis, and treatment is obtained.

*Conclusions :

The CAM decision-making process is a dynamic and iterative process that is influenced by a complex array of personal and social factors. Oncology health professionals need to be prepared to offer decision support related to CAM throughout the cancer trajectory.