Presented are pilot qualitative results investigating the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) utilization process of post-myocardial infarct (MI) patients, including what prompts CAM use, how patients learn about CAM, what facilitates and/or hinders CAM use, and what health outcomes are important to patients. Sixteen participants (ten men, six women) from a Mid-Western community were recruited for group or individual interviews. Most participants pursued CAM after a health crisis-their MI-to avoid reoccurrence. Family members, written materials and health classes were primary sources of CAM information. Most commonly noted CAM therapies were biologically-based therapies (i.e. vitamins, coenzyme Q10, hawthorn) and mind-body techniques (i.e. meditation, yoga). Main barriers to CAM use included cost and availability of treatment. Primary facilitating factors included a desire to enhance cardiac health and to avoid invasive conventional procedures (i.e. surgery). Improved health, as assessed both internally (i.e. how the patient feels) and externally (i.e. medical exam), and a belief that CAM treatment was "good for you," constituted the primary outcomes influencing continued CAM utilization. While patients mainly pursued CAM outside the allopathic relationship, physicians were sought to monitor CAM outcomes, both overtly and covertly. From these findings, five phases of CAM utilization were identified-Health Status, Learning about CAM, Seeking CAM (Barriers & Aids), Using CAM and Assessing CAM-which comprised a complex, reciprocal process between patient and environment. Developed to assist policymakers and health practitioners, this model provides an empirical framework for assessment and intervention of CAM utilization among a post-MI population.
Learning Objectives: 1.List types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities used by post-myocardial (MI) patients 2.Describe a CAM utilization process, including barriers and facilitating factors, adopted by post-MI patients 3.Identify access points within the CAM utilization process for public health education
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Chronic (CVD)
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.