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Jahr : Europski časopis za bioetiku, Vol. 16 No. 2, 2025.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.2.1

Expectations of therapeutic effects of CAM in oncology: Between patient autonomy and professional scepticism

Ljerka Armano orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-0267-3167 ; UHC Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia *
Jasna Radić ; UHC Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
Vanja Vasiljev orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-4308-3008 ; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Tomislav Rukavina orcid id orcid.org/0000-0001-6817-3002 ; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Martina Trnčević orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-7407-5473 ; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia; Nursing School Vinogradska, Zagreb, Croatia
Andrea Armano ; Aspira University of Applied Sciences, Split, Croatia
Aneta Perak ; Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb
Aleksandar Racz orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-3118-2623 ; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Health studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly present in oncology, challenging the boundaries of conventional practice and raising important bioethical issues. This cross-sectional study investigated perceptions of the therapeutic value of CAM among 832 participants: 411 oncology patients and 421 healthcare professionals at a Croatian university hospital. Using validated CHBQ and IMAQ instruments, the results showed that patients’ expectations were significantly higher than those of physicians (p<0.001), particularly regarding psychophysical well-being (72.1%), immune system support (89.8%), and reduction of side effects (82.9%). Nurses occupied a middle position. These discrepancies reflect empirical differences and deeper ethical tensions between clinical authority and patient autonomy. CAM is a space where patients assert agency, seek meaning, and strive for holistic healing beyond biomedical reductionism. The findings underscore the need for ethical integration of evidence-based CAM into oncology care, supported by improved education and respectful dialogue. Supporting informed decision-making requires bridging epistemological gaps while respecting patients’ values.

Keywords

Complementary and alternative medicine; healthcare professionals; oncology patients; therapeutic efficacy

Hrčak ID:

344221

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/344221

Publication date:

6.2.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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