Interface, interaction and integration: how people with chronic disease in Australia manage CAM and conventional medical services

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To understand the extent to which conventional and complementary health care are integrated for CAM users with chronic conditions. METHODS: In-depth interviews and a self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data on care-seeking, self-management and CAM use among people with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease living in Victoria, Australia. RESULTS: Many participants reported regular, frequent and long-term use of CAM therapies to maintain their health or assist in the management of their chronic condition. They generally managed the interface between convention and complementary health care on their own, as the perceived or expressed negative attitudes of so..