Navigating Communication Between Western Medicine And Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Case Study of Cancer Patients In Hong Kong

Background: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a growing phenomenon around the world. However, despite its historical role in Chinese society, there has been limited research exploring the nature of communication around cancer patients who receive TCM care in additional to conventional medicine. If TCM practitioners with adequate knowledge in understanding the needs and communication issues around patients with cancer, particularly those who simultaneously receive conventional medicine, it will lead to a better quality of care and result in better clinical outcomes such as high patient satisfaction and compliance with treatments. Objectives: To fill in this gap, this study aims to explore the nature of the communication amongst cancer patients in Hong Kong who receive TCM treatment in addition to conventional medicine. Methods: Twenty patients, 5 oncologists and 5 TCM practitioners were invited to conduct in-depth interviews to elicit their views towards their TCM treatment. A qualitative approach called Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is adopted. Results: Based on the themes that emerged from the interview transcripts, we outline the priorities of communication when dealing with cancer patients who receive both TCM and conventional medicine. A framework was developed to assist training TCM practitioners to better integrate their patients' conventional medical history when delivering patient care. Conclusion: The findings of this study can shed light to inform priorities in communication when caring for patients who opt for TCM care in addition to conventional treatments, and to provide useful information for developing future clinical research of providing integrated approach between TCM and conventional medicine in treating cancer patients.