Navigating communication between conventional medicine and traditional Chinese medicine: a case study of cancer patients in Hong Kong

Background Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a growing phenomenon worldwide. Despite its historical role in Chinese society, however, few studies have explored the nature of communication among patients with cancer who receive TCM care in addition to conventional medicine. If TCM practitioners acquire adequate knowledge to understand the needs and communication issues for their patients with cancer, particularly those who are simultaneously receiving conventional medicine, this will lead to better quality of care and clinical outcomes, such as high patient satisfaction and treatment compliance.
Objectives To fill this knowledge gap, this study explored the nature of communication among patients with cancer in Hong Kong who receive TCM treatment in addition to conventional medicine.
Participants We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 patients, 5 oncologists and 5 TCM practitioners to elicit their views on TCM treatments.
Method We adopted a qualitative approach using an interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Results Based on the themes that emerged from our interview transcripts, we outlined communication priorities when advising patients with cancer who are receiving both TCM and conventional medical care. We developed a framework to train TCM practitioners to better integrate their patients’ conventional medical history when delivering patient care.
Conclusions Our study findings inform communication priorities when caring for patients who opt for TCM care in addition to conventional treatments. In addition, they provide useful information for developing future clinical research studies to explore integrated approaches between TCM and conventional medicine in treating patients with cancer.