ADDRESSING ADVERSE ATTITUDES TOWARD COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY FOR CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This thesis explores attitudes toward complementary therapies, attitudes which may adversely affect the integration of creative therapies into traditional medical practice for chronic pain management. Through multiple forms of research, a distinct pattern becomes prevalent: attitudes are specific to each stakeholder's role in experiencing, managing, or responding to pain. In turn, they end up shaping stakeholder perspective on efficacy, feasibility, or worth, and as such they carry the potential of becoming impediments to creative pain management, particularly when they are adverse. More discussion between stakeholders would perhaps bring about a better understanding and reception of complementary therapies. A diverse yet representative panel discussion provides opportunity for community insight towards complementary therapies, whilst reducing barriers brought up by attitude, by essentially allowing for open communication and the reevaluation of preconceptions. Such an event was hosted; it included 3 unique panelists and attracted an audience of 51 people. Discussion focused on complementary therapy as seen by each panelist, along with its potential for being integrated further into medicine within the community. It was generally successful, indicating that small efforts of cooperation among stakeholders have the potential to positively influence attitudes toward complementary therapy for pain management.