XXXX survivors' perspectives and experience on western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine treatment and rehabilitation: a qualitative study.

@entity1 @entity5
BACKGROUND: In the @entity1 's Republic of China, both western medicine (WM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are the main treatment and rehabilitation options for @entity5 @entity1 . This study aimed to explore @entity5 survivors' perspectives and experience of treatment and rehabilitation, in order to promote @entity1 -centered activities of treatment and rehabilitation. METHODS: Using a qualitative research approach, 68 @entity5 survivors were recruited from eight community @entity5 rehabilitation organizations in Shanghai, @entity1 's Republic of China. Eight focus group interviews were conducted. All these interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the data were analyzed by theme analysis. RESULTS: WM was the main choice in treatment phase though study @entity1 noted more side effects. TCM was primarily used in the recovery phase. The lack of communication between doctors and @entity5 @entity1 appears to affect treatment adherence and impair the doctor- @entity1 relationship. WM was expensive for diagnostic procedures and treatment, while the cumulative costs of frequent use of TCM in the long rehabilitation period were also high. Both treatment options created significant perceived economic burden on @entity1 . Conflicting information about dietary supplements tended to make @entity5 survivors confused. CONCLUSION: Improving the communication between doctors and @entity5 @entity1 helps to ameliorate @entity5 @entity1 adherence and the effect of treatments. It is essential to educate @entity5 @entity1 about the effect and cost of both WM and traditional TCM. Meanwhile, marketing management and guidance to consumers regarding use of dietary supplements in the @entity5 rehabilitation field are also necessary.
