Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice最新文献

{"title":"Understanding haptotherapy for people with cancer: A qualitative interview study among patients and haptotherapists","authors":"Agnes M. van Swaay ,&nbsp;Kris C.P. Vissers ,&nbsp;Yvonne Engels ,&nbsp;Marieke M. Groot","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>and purpose</em>: Many people with cancer face far-reaching physical effects of the disease. In oncological care, the psychological impact of these consequences seems to be overlooked. Haptotherapy has the potential to fill this gap. The aim of the present study was to gain in-depth understanding of haptotherapy for people with cancer as reported by patients and haptotherapists.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A qualitative study consisting of in-depth interviews with patients with cancer and haptotherapists regarding haptotherapy. Inductive coding and thematic content analysis were used.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Interviews were conducted with fourteen patients and nine haptotherapists. The following five themes were identified: (1) perceived problems of patients with cancer who consult a haptotherapist, such as a severely disturbed relationship with the body, together with emotional and identity problems; (2) the content of sessions and therapy process, based on haptotherapeutic affective touch and therapeutic conversation; (3) what haptotherapy brings about in patients with cancer, notably a felt awareness of the loss of body contact and of suppressed feelings and emotions; (4) the essence of haptotherapy for patients with cancer, in particular touch as connection between physical and emotional feeling; and (5) the role of the haptotherapist, especially their sensitivity, subtle observations and focus on the patient as a person.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Haptotherapy can make a substantial contribution to the overall recovery of patients with cancer and fill the gap in usual care by restoration of both contact with and trust in the body, thus supporting the associated emotional processing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102015"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144694961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of a self-heating Chinese medicine hot pack for postpartum urinary retention","authors":"Mengyan Xu ,&nbsp;Ruobing Yang ,&nbsp;Fengcheng Cai","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>Postpartum urinary retention (PUR) is a frequent complication following epidural anesthesia in primiparous women, elevating the risk of urinary tract infections and long-term bladder dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a self-heating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hot pack in preventing PUR and enhancing postpartum maternal comfort.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Eighty primigravid women receiving epidural anesthesia were randomly assigned to a control group receiving standard postpartum care, or a test group receiving standard care plus application of a self-heating TCM hot pack for 4 h. Key measures included time to first urination, voiding volume, residual urine volume, incidence of PUR, and maternal comfort assessed using Kolcaba's comfort scale 6–8 h after delivery.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The incidence of PUR was significantly lower in the test group (2.56 %) compared to the control group (12.5 %). Participants using the TCM hot pack exhibited a markedly shorter time to first void, increased voiding volume, and significantly higher overall and dimensional comfort scores (all P &lt; 0.05). No significant differences were found in 24-h vaginal bleeding or rates of postpartum hemorrhage.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The use of a self-heating TCM hot pack was associated with a reduced incidence of PUR and increased maternal comfort in this study, suggesting it may be a beneficial intervention for postpartum care. However, the specific contributions of thermal versus herbal components remain unclear. These findings indicate a simple and safe approach that warrants further investigation to confirm its efficacy and potential cost-effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102029"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145491122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of physical activity on executive function in children and adolescents: A Bayesian dose-response network meta-analysis","authors":"Jiayu Li ,&nbsp;Zan Huang ,&nbsp;Xin Feng ,&nbsp;Yuanyue Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Previous research has established that physical activity (PA) benefits executive function (EF) in children and adolescents. However, the dose response relationship between PA and EF remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of PA on EF and to characterize dose-response relationships across PA modalities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across five databases—PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library—to identify randomized controlled trials (up to April 2025) assessing the effects of PA on EF in children and adolescents. A dose response model-based network meta-analysis was utilized to synthesize the evidence and estimate the effects of different types and doses of PA on EF.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>PA had a small but statistically significant positive effect on EF (Hedges' g = 0.14, 95 % CrI [0.08, 0.19]), with more pronounced effects in children than in adolescents, and effects varied across EF subdomains. Among the PA modalities examined, aerobic exercise demonstrated the most substantial effect (Hedges' g = 0.22, 95 % CrI [0.13, 0.32]), followed by skill/coordination activities (Hedges' g = 0.17, 95 % CrI [0.07, 0.26]). High-intensity interval training and cognitively engaging PA also showed promising results, although further data were required to clarify their impact.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PA exerted a positive influence on EF in children, exhibiting dose-dependent effects. In particular, aerobic exercise, and skill/coordination activities at moderate levels of intensity are efficacious, demonstrating a distinct inverted U-shaped dose–response relationship. These findings offer actionable evidence for designing targeted PA interventions to optimize cognitive benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102016"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144687589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of combined auricular pressure bean and group guidance on sleep disorders in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis","authors":"Jing Zheng ,&nbsp;Dan Suo ,&nbsp;Huiyi Lu ,&nbsp;Lin Chen ,&nbsp;Lifei Liu ,&nbsp;Yuehong Wang ,&nbsp;Jialian Huang ,&nbsp;Tianhui You","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>Sleep disorders are highly prevalent and significantly impair quality of life in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. This study aimed to explore the combined effect of auricular pressure bean and group guidance on sleep disorders in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and its potential role in alleviating anxiety and depression.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This study included 120 patients with sleep disorders undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at a blood purification center in Guangdong Province, China. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group, an auricular pressure bean group, a group guidance group, and a combined group. Sleep, anxiety, and depression were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 115 patients completed the study. At 4-week follow-up, there were significant improvements in PSQI, SAS, and SDS scores in all groups compared with baseline (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The effective rates of sleep improvement were 43.44 % in the control group, 92.86 % in the auricular pressure bean group, 75 % in the group guidance group, and 96.55 % in the combined group. The combined group showed the most significant improvement in sleep quality and anxiety reduction (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Auricular pressure bean intervention combined with group guidance effectively improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety. The combined group demonstrated more significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety symptoms compared to the intervention-only group; no significant difference was found in depression scores between the combined and the group guidance groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102018"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144894998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is meeting 24-h movement guidelines lowering the odds of depressive symptoms? Results of a large-scale survey based on U.S. adolescents","authors":"Yuanyang Lv ,&nbsp;Yingna Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Adolescents who experience mental health issues are at a high rate of health risk, this underscores the significance of researching potential risks and protective factors of mental health problemes. 24-hour movement behaviors, encompassing physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep, constitute a group of alterable way of life factors that have shown to be associated with depressive symptoms. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the association between compliance with 24-h movement guidelines and the presence of depressive symptoms in adolescents.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The sampling process comprised three stages involving students between the age of 14 and 18 years old, enrolled in grades 9–12. A total of 92,467 participants (aged: 14–17 years, body mass index: 23.44 ± 5.19) were included for the analysis, with 47.6 % being boys. Validated self-reported questionnaires were utilized to measure physical activity (PA), screen time (ST), sleep duration, and depressive symptoms. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between the complicance with the 24-h movement guidelines and presence of depressive symptoms. For statistical significance, a p-value less than 0.05 was used.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants not meeting any guidelines exhibited significantly higher odds of experiencing emotions of sorrow or despair, with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.28 (95 % CI: 3.56–5.14) compared to those who fulfilled all three guidelines. Similarly, participants meeting only one of the guidelines displayed significantly higher odds of experiencing emotions of sorrow or despair, with an OR of 2.79 (95 % CI: 2.43–3.21) compared to those adhering to all three guidelines. Those meeting two of the guidelines also demonstrated significantly higher odds of experiencing emotions of sorrow or despair, with an OR of 1.63 (95 % CI: 1.46–1.83) compared to those adhering to all three guidelines.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this study offer preliminary evidence supporting an inverse association between compliance with 24-h movement guidelines and reduced depressive symptoms among adolescents. However, longitudinal study is imperative to more comprehensively ascertain these associations before considering the recommendation of compliance with 24-h movement guidelines as an intervention for adolescent depression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102005"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144623333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The practitioner research and collaboration Initiative (PRACI): Updated characteristics of the world's largest complementary medicine practice-based research network","authors":"Amie Steel ,&nbsp;Ben Lee ,&nbsp;Tristan Carter ,&nbsp;Hope Foley ,&nbsp;Jon Adams","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>The Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative (PRACI), established in 2014, recruited the largest range of complementary medicine (CM) professions in a practice-based research network (PBRN) worldwide. The ongoing success of PRACI and its ability to accurately reflect current CM practice and use requires an updated practitioner membership. This paper aims to report the demographic and practice characteristics of the recently refreshed PRACI membership.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional survey was administered to those currently in clinical practice within one of nine CM professions: acupuncture, Bowen therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, kinesiology, massage therapy, myotherapy, naturopathy, nutrition, and Western herbal medicine. Responders provided consent to join membership of the PRACI PBRN. The survey covered practitioner demographics, clinical identity and qualifications, clinical career and practice, and practice characteristics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 922 practitioners across all nine targeted CM professions were recruited with the majority identifying as female and reported practicing in an urban locality. Most common areas of clinical interest were general health and wellbeing, musculoskeletal health, pain management, and women's health.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The refreshed PRACI membership provides world-leading infrastructure to facilitate urgently needed research activity and capacity-building focused upon issues and challenges grounded in CM clinical practice. Such value will build upon and extend the numerous PRACI sub-studies successfully completed, and collaborations successfully undertaken to date.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102021"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of different exercise types on level of inflammation in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis","authors":"Kai Zhang ,&nbsp;Chi Wang ,&nbsp;Nan Zhang ,&nbsp;Zeng Teng ,&nbsp;Ruixue Wang ,&nbsp;Shuimiao Wei ,&nbsp;Cuiping Ni","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>Although numerous pairwise meta-analyses have demonstrated the benefits of exercise on inflammation in hemodialysis patients, the comparative effectiveness of different exercise types on inflammation in this population remains unclear. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of intradialytic aerobic exercise (IAE), non-intradialytic aerobic exercise (NAE), intradialytic combined aerobic and resistance exercise (ICE), intradialytic resistance exercise (IRE), non-intradialytic aerobic exercise + intradialytic resistance exercise (NAE + IRE), and non-intradialytic resistance exercise (NRE) on inflammatory marker levels of hemodialysis patients using network meta-analysis (NMA) and to rank them subsequently.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) from inception to August 13, 2025. We conducted an NMA using Stata 18.0. The interventions were ranked according to their effectiveness in reducing inflammation in hemodialysis patients using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Finally, the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) framework was utilized to evaluate the reliability of evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study included 46 studies across 9 countries involving 3073 hemodialysis patients. For the reduction of C-reactive protein, NAE + IRE (SUCRA = 85.3) and IRE (SUCRA = 59.6) were ranked first and second. For the reduction of interleukin-6, NAE + IRE (SUCRA = 93.0) and NRE (SUCRA = 66.5) were ranked first and second. For the reduction of tumor necrosis factor-α, NAE (SUCRA = 99.9) and NAE + IRE (SUCRA = 66.1) were ranked first and second. The GRADE evidence levels for the three outcome measures ranged from very low to low.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>NAE + IRE consistently ranked among the top two interventions across all inflammatory markers, making it the optimal exercise strategy to reduce inflammation in hemodialysis patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102027"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145304981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Palliative care providers’ experiences of mindfulness and resilience: An interpretative phenomenological analysis","authors":"Wei-Ting Lai ,&nbsp;Li-Yu Yang ,&nbsp;Hsun-Kuei Ko ,&nbsp;Hui-Chun Su ,&nbsp;Li-Min Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>Although mindfulness is widely acknowledged to foster resilience, limited research has examined how palliative care providers sustain this practice and how it shapes their resilience. This study explores how providers with sustained mindfulness practice, understand, and embody the cultivation of resilience across personal and professional domains.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Fifteen palliative care providers (three physicians, eight nurses, three psychologists, and a spiritual care provider) who providing end-of-life care in hospitals across Taiwan were recruited. All practiced mindfulness regularly after completing a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, integrating techniques such as breath awareness, body scan meditation, or mindful walking into their daily and professional lives. Data from individual semi-structured interviews were analyzed using Smith and Nizza's interpretative phenomenological approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three group experiential themes were derived: discovering inner resilience through mindfulness, living mindfully as a way of life, and staying resilient in challenging environments. They illustrate how mindfulness fosters resilience by integrating emotional, mental, and existential dimensions. Mindfulness served as both an internal regulatory mechanism and a stabilizing force against external uncertainties, thereby fostering adaptability in challenging environments. These findings deepen our understanding of mindfulness as long-term resilience-building practice in palliative care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study addresses the psychological challenges of palliative care providers in high-stress settings. The findings highlight how mindfulness fosters resilience by integrating self-awareness, emotional stability, and a reflective perspective into professional experiences. These insights extend beyond short-term stress relief, informing research and policies on healthcare provider well-being and sustaining palliative care practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102017"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144695049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines combined with hormonal therapy for endometriosis after laparoscopic surgery: A Bayesian network meta-analysis","authors":"Dandan Geng,&nbsp;Shaobin Wei,&nbsp;Wenxiu Cheng,&nbsp;Hanzhi Zhong,&nbsp;Keke Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), standardized herbal formulations widely used in clinical practice, combined with hormones have shown favorable therapeutic effects in the adjuvant treatment of endometriosis (EMS) after laparoscopic surgery. However, the optimal CPM option remains debatable. This network meta-analysis aimed to objectively compare the efficacy and safety of different CPM options for endometriosis after laparoscopic surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to June 2024 were searched in relevant databases. The risk of bias was assessed via the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool 2.0. The Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted by R version 4.2.3 and STATA version 17.0.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 47 RCTs were included. In terms of improving overall response rate, Guizhi Fuling pill combined with hormones was the most likely to be the best choice of CPM for endometriosis after laparoscopic surgery. Dan'e Fukang decoction had the best effect in improving the rate of pregnancy. Sanjie Zhentong capsule was the most effective in reducing the recurrence rate and estrogen (E2) levels. Xuefu Zhuyu capsule was the most effective in reducing the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the incidence of adverse reactions. Fuke Qianjin capsule was the most effective in reducing luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Xiaojin capsule showed optimal efficacy in reducing serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) levels. None of the included studies reported serious adverse reactions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CPMs can effectively improve overall response rate and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. More high-quality, large-scale RCTs are required to validate the efficacy and safety of these CPMs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102020"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) users in Germany: Insights into characteristics and identities – Results from a qualitative interview study","authors":"Michael Jeitler ,&nbsp;Mike Sigl ,&nbsp;Robert Frank ,&nbsp;Miriam Ortiz ,&nbsp;Tido von Schoen-Angerer ,&nbsp;Manfred Wischnewsky ,&nbsp;Benno Brinkhaus ,&nbsp;Andreas Michalsen ,&nbsp;Christian S. Kessler","doi":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>This qualitative study explores perspectives and experiences of users of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in university outpatient departments in Berlin, Germany. While TCIM use is widespread, little is known about user perceptions and interaction patterns. The study aims to deepen understanding of the socio-medical context of TCIM use in Germany, focusing on user characteristics and identities.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2023 with patients from TCIM outpatient departments at Charité Berlin. Using an interview guide, participants reflected on experiences, perceptions, and biographical backgrounds related to TCIM. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, anonymized, and analyzed using MAXQDA following Kuckartz's content analysis. Key themes included motivations, health conceptions, and roles within the social context.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants (17 women, 3 men; mean age 62) associated TCIM with holistic care addressing physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects. Acupuncture, homeopathy, and dietary therapies were commonly used. Motivations included especially dissatisfaction with conventional care, personal beliefs, and social influence. Participants actively engaged in their treatment choices, often maintaining good relationships with general practitioners, while criticizing specialist disregard of TCIM. TCIM acceptance reflected broader concepts of health, including personal responsibility and non-material aspects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Study results suggest that patient narratives and experiences play a central role in TCIM use. Participants called for integrative care models that value psychological and spiritual aspects alongside somatic treatment. Findings underscore a shift towards active patient roles. Given TCIM's continued relevance in Germany, integrating evidence-based TCIM into health systems may enhance patient engagement and outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48752,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice","volume":"61 ","pages":"Article 102022"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}