Izvorni znanstveni članak
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.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.org/0000-0002-4308-3008
; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Tomislav Rukavina
orcid.org/0000-0001-6817-3002
; Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Martina Trnčević
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.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
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
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.
Ključne riječi
Complementary and alternative medicine; healthcare professionals; oncology patients; therapeutic efficacy
Hrčak ID:
344221
URI
Datum izdavanja:
6.2.2026.
Posjeta: 344 *