Abstract
Objective: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. However, the effectiveness and safety of CAM in the treatment of CHB infection is unclear. This study aimed to explore doctors' views and experiences on the use of CAM in patients with CHB infection.
Methods: We used a qualitative methodology to capture doctors' views and experiences. The participants were doctors in primary and secondary care, who had experience in managing patients with CHB infection for the past six months. It was conducted in a tertiary hospital located in an urban area in Malaysia between year 2012 and 2013. Two focus groups discussions were conducted (n = 12). Trained facilitators conducted the focus groups using a topic guide, which was developed based on literature review and expert opinions. Each focus group comprised six participants. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, checked and analysed by researchers using a thematic approach.
Results: The doctors were aware of a range of CAM for the treatment of CHB infection including herbs, traditional medicine, vitamin supplement and spiritual healing. The attitudes towards CAM varied among the doctors; while some discussed the options, others were either ambivalent or strongly discouraged patients from using CAM. The doctors were aware and concerned about the potential side effects of some of the CAM and the lack of evidence in recommending them in their practice. However, some highlighted that the limitations of western medicine, such as no guarantee for cure, safety, were the reason why patients used CAM. Some doctors also stated that there were lack of clear guidelines and regulations on use of CAM in Malaysia. This has made it challenging for the doctors to advise patients on proper use of CAM.
Conclusion: There was a wide variation in the doctors' views and experiences in managing patients who use CAM. This appears to be due to the lack of evidence on the role of CAM in treating CHB infection.
Methods: We used a qualitative methodology to capture doctors' views and experiences. The participants were doctors in primary and secondary care, who had experience in managing patients with CHB infection for the past six months. It was conducted in a tertiary hospital located in an urban area in Malaysia between year 2012 and 2013. Two focus groups discussions were conducted (n = 12). Trained facilitators conducted the focus groups using a topic guide, which was developed based on literature review and expert opinions. Each focus group comprised six participants. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, checked and analysed by researchers using a thematic approach.
Results: The doctors were aware of a range of CAM for the treatment of CHB infection including herbs, traditional medicine, vitamin supplement and spiritual healing. The attitudes towards CAM varied among the doctors; while some discussed the options, others were either ambivalent or strongly discouraged patients from using CAM. The doctors were aware and concerned about the potential side effects of some of the CAM and the lack of evidence in recommending them in their practice. However, some highlighted that the limitations of western medicine, such as no guarantee for cure, safety, were the reason why patients used CAM. Some doctors also stated that there were lack of clear guidelines and regulations on use of CAM in Malaysia. This has made it challenging for the doctors to advise patients on proper use of CAM.
Conclusion: There was a wide variation in the doctors' views and experiences in managing patients who use CAM. This appears to be due to the lack of evidence on the role of CAM in treating CHB infection.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 413-414 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | S3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Sept 2013 |
| Event | World Congress of Gastroenterology 2013 - Shanghai Expo Center, Shanghai, China Duration: 21 Sept 2013 → 24 Sept 2013 |
