Palliative care : the impact of complementary therapies on the quality of life

Abstract

Background: Complementary therapies are increasingly being used in palliative care to help patients with life-limiting illnesses. While data suggests that it can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, there has been minimal qualitative study into patients' actual experiences, particularly in the Maltese healthcare context. Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the lived experiences of palliative care patients who utilised complementary therapies. It will investigate the ways in which these interventions influence their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, as well as their overall quality of life. Design: The use of a qualitative, interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) allowed for a deeper comprehension of the subjective experiences from the patients' point of view. Setting and Participants: Semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted with four adult palliative care patients who used at least one complementary therapy (such as aromatherapy or reflexology). Methods: Data was gathered using audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews and processed using thematic analysis based on IPA principles. Results: Participants reported increased pain alleviation, emotional resiliency, and spiritual tranquility. Complementary therapies promoted empowerment, increased relaxation, and contributed to a more comprehensive care experience. Conclusion: Patients receiving palliative care can benefit greatly from complementary therapies, which not only help with symptom management but also promote emotional and spiritual well- being. These results highlight the importance of extending patient-centered, interdisciplinary methods and the necessity of further integrating such therapies within Malta's palliative care framework.