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Complementary therapists' motivation to work in cancer/supportive and palliative care: a multi-centre case study.
Mackereth, Peter A Carter, Ann Parkin, Sam Stringer, Jacqui Roberts, Dai Long, Andrew Todd, Chris Caress, Ann-Louise
Mackereth, Peter A
Carter, Ann
Parkin, Sam
Stringer, Jacqui
Roberts, Dai
Long, Andrew
Todd, Chris
Caress, Ann-Louise
Citations
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Abstract
PURPOSE: To uncover complementary therapists' motivation to work in cancer/supportive and palliative care. METHOD: The study employed a multiple case-study design, involving three cancer/supportive and palliative care settings in the North West of England. A questionnaire survey (n=51) was undertaken, followed by semi-structured interviews with a subgroup of the sample (n=28). RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 50 years, were predominantly female and had varied career backgrounds, including prior professional experience in healthcare, teaching and private complementary therapy practice. Motivation for working in cancer/supportive and palliative care included vocational drive with a desire to provide individualised treatment and adopt a person centred, empowering and caring approach; disillusionment with conventional care; career development and personal experience of cancer or other serious illness. CONCLUSION: Findings indicated that motivational factors for therapists working in cancer care/supportive and palliative care were varied and highlighted a combination of 'push and pull' factors, particularly for therapists who are also health care practitioners. Further research related to volunteering, sustainable services and support and training for therapists is required.
Description
Date
2009-08
Publisher
Collections
Keywords
Cancer
Type
Article
Citation
Complementary therapists' motivation to work in cancer/supportive and palliative care: a multi-centre case study. 2009, 15 (3):161-5 Complement Ther Clin Pract