'No one here's helping me, what do you do?': Addressing patient need for support and advice about stem cell treatments

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Abstract

Aim: This article examines how those who contemplate purported stem cell treatments (SCTs) negotiate available information sources and the adequacy of current approaches to guidance and support. Materials & methods: Qualitative interviews undertaken with people who had contemplated or undergone purported SCTs for a range of conditions (n = 24 and n = 27, respectively), as well as professionals who are frequently asked about SCTs (n = 20) were analyzed. Results: Our findings reveal the difficulties for individuals in discriminating between different sources of information on SCTs and the limitations of current responses. Conclusion: In the context of contending information about SCTs informal ('accidental') advisors potentially play a crucial role in supporting patients. Additional approaches are also required to better address patients' needs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)791-801
Number of pages11
JournalRegenerative Medicine
Volume12
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2017

Keywords

  • advisor
  • empirical research
  • patient need
  • professional responsibility
  • stem cell treatments

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