P2: Explain how service users can access complementary therapies
with reference to factors affecting provision
A complementary therapy means you can use it alongside your conventional medical
treatment. The NHS provides free treatment and doesn’t offer complementary therapies
as they spend money on more effective treatments that are value for money. Private
healthcare is medical treatment that you pay for yourself. It offers a much wider range of
treatments than the NHS, including more specialised procedures and surgeries. Many
hospitals and cancer wards offer free of charge complementary therapies such as
acupuncture, reflexology and massages (aromatherapy).
Where you can go to have complementary therapies (2022) Cancer Research UK.
Available at:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-
alternative-therapies/about/where-you-can-go (Accessed: 02 May 2024)
The ability of people to get healthcare services when they need them is referred to as
access. Geographical accessibility, financial accessibility, and the availability of
healthcare facilities and providers are just a few of the factors that make up access. The
process of directing a patient to another healthcare provider or facility for additional
assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or specialised care is known as a referral. Referrals
may be started in response to patient preferences, clinical necessity, or requirements of
the health plan. Usually, you will refer to another doctor or healthcare professional
registered with a statutory regulatory body.
The therapy that is most frequently used and approved by medical professionals is
known as conventional treatment. Compared to alternative therapies, which are less
common, it is different. Examples of traditional cancer treatments include radiation
therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Also called conventional treatment.
Conventional treatment (2020) Wikipedia. Available at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conventional_treatment (Accessed: 02 May 2024)
, Factors that affect provision
The availability of complementary therapies can be impacted by a
wide range of factors. The location is one factor. Compared to those
who live in rural areas, people who live in towns or cities will have access to a far wider
variety of therapies. This may be the result of a greater need for services in densely
populated areas. Small populations and little access to public transport in rural areas
frequently make it difficult for businesses to thrive. Geographical restrictions can impact
service users' access to complementary therapies, including travel time, distance, and
availability of transportation. People who live in isolated or remote areas might find it
difficult to travel great distances to see therapists or other professionals, which would
limit their access to services.
The use of complementary therapies by individuals can be significantly influenced by
their level of knowledge or misunderstanding. For instance, people might have heard
negative reports about massage, aromatherapy, or acupuncture. This negativity could
lead to a fear of using these treatments. Negative emotions can also be caused by
ignorance. For instance, people may not be aware of certain therapies that are currently
offered in their community. Some people may be aware of the therapy, but they may not
be aware of its advantages.
Depending on the kind of therapy, the practitioner's level of experience, and the setting,
the price of complementary therapies can vary significantly. The affordability of these
treatments can be influenced by a person's income level, employment status, and health
insurance coverage. Service users with a limited budget may find it difficult to access
services due to high out-of-pocket costs. Geographical location and economic factors are
likely to affect access to complementary therapies. When compared to service users in
rural areas, those in urban areas with higher cost of living may find it more difficult to
afford or access complementary treatments.
Language barriers may make it more difficult for service users from different
backgrounds in language and culture to receive complementary therapies. Barriers
might prevent efficient interaction and understanding of available treatments, resulting
in unequal access to care. Views of complementary therapies are shaped by cultural
ideas about health, illness, and healing. Service users from cultural backgrounds may
prefer traditional healing practices that are based in cultural traditions, like traditional
Chinese medicine.
Culture, spirituality and religion: Migrant health guide (no date) GOV.UK. Available at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/culture-spirituality-and-religion (Accessed: 02 May
2024)
, Service users may be encouraged to seek out complementary therapies if they have
positive attitudes regarding these treatments, including beliefs about their safety and
effectiveness. Individuals' attitudes regarding complementary therapies can be
influenced by their personal beliefs and values, which may include spiritual or
philosophical views regarding health and healing. Individuals receiving services who
place a high value on natural healing methods, self-care, or holistic well-being may be
more likely to look for complementary therapies that share their beliefs.
Access to treatments is influenced by the availability of practitioners and clinics for
complementary therapy within a community. In situations where there are limited
options or lengthy wait times for appointments with preferred practitioners, service users
may encounter difficulties receiving particular therapies. The accessibility of treatment
options for service users may be impacted by the presence of a wide variety of
complementary therapies. Therapies, such as massage therapy, natural medicine,
chiropractic treatment, and acupuncture, are offered in settings that provide people
more options for taking care of their health needs.
P3: Explain the role of complementary therapies in relation to
conventional medical treatment of two different disorders
Cancer Asthma
Conventional treatment for cancer includes Asthma is treated with inhalers. Tablets and
chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other medication can be used if asthma is
surgery severe
Massage and reflexology can be used Acupuncture and breathing exercises would
alongside the conventional treatment complement the conventional treatment
Massage can complement conventional Acupuncture can complement conventional
cancer treatment by providing relaxation, treatment for asthma by potentially reducing
reducing stress, and improving overall well- symptoms and improving overall lung
being. It can help manage symptoms like function. It involves the insertion of thin
pain, fatigue, and anxiety. Massage needles into specific points on the body,
therapists use gentle techniques to which are believed to stimulate the flow of
promote comfort and support the body’s energy and promote balance. Some studies
healing process. suggest that acupuncture may help manage
Reflexology is a complementary therapy symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and
that involves applying pressure to specific shortness of breath.
points on the feet, hands, or ears and is one Breathing exercises can be a helpful
of the most popular types of therapy among complement to conventional asthma
people with cancer. It is believed that these treatment. They can help improve lung
points correspond to different organs and function, reduce symptoms, and increase
systems in the body. It aims to promote overall respiratory health. Practices like
relaxation, improve circulation and support diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip
the body's natural healing abilities. breathing, and deep belly breathing can
Complementary therapies can complement promote relaxation, reduce stress, and
treatment like chemotherapy by managing enhance the efficiency of your breathing.
side effects and improve the quality of life Therapies alongside inhalers provide
by enhancing the effectiveness. additional support to help manage
symptoms and improve quality of life.
Strengths of massage: improve circulation, Strengths of acupuncture: reduces pain,
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