Journal List > Korean J Adult Nurs > v.27(6) > 1076372

Tae, Kwon, Lee, and Bae: Endless Management of Mind and Body for Healing: The Process of Pursuing Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Patients with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experience of pursuing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in breast cancer patients.

Methods

Ten women with breast cancer participated in the study. Data were collected through individual in-depth unstructured and individualized interviews with each participant from February to July, 2015. Theoretical sampling was used upto the point of theoretical saturation. Data were analyzed using Corbin & Strauss's grounded theory methodology.

Results

Through open coding, 22 sub-categories, and 13 categories were identified. Analysis revealed that the core category was ‘endless management of mind and body for healing’, which consisted of four phases; exploring, applying, grasping, and integrating. Through this process, the participants utilized various action/interactional strategies such as ‘dealing with information’, ‘trying out blindly’, ‘enduring volitionally’, ‘experiencing effects on mind and body,’ and ‘grasping one's own way.’ The consequences of these strategies were integrating the habit of health remedy into one's life, becoming a main agent for change, and tolerating one's weak body.

Conclusion

In-depth understanding of the CAM pursuing experiences of patients with breast cancer would guide clinical nurses and policy makers to develop effective interventions and policies for better supporting them with regard to the usage of CAM.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1

The process of endless management of mind and body for healing

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Table 1

Relationships among the Categories using a Paradigm Model

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Notes

This study was supported by the research fund of Kosin University in 2014.

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