Complementary therapy provision in a London community clinic for people living with HIV/AIDS: a case study

Ava Lorenc, Reetoo Banarsee, Nicola Robinson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

AIM: To present a case study of complementary therapy (CT) provision within a community HIV multi-agency service in a Northwest London deprived area.

METHODS: Anonymised routine service data were provided for all clients (n = 1030) August 2010 to October 2012. Face-to-face meetings provided feedback from volunteers (9 CT-using clients and 9 staff).

RESULTS: CT-users were demographically similar to other clients. Support for coping with HIV was commonly cited as a service benefit. Over 26 months 1416 CT sessions were provided; 875 aromatherapy and 471 shiatsu. CT-users' most common concerns were pain (48%), stress (15%) and insomnia (13%), few had heard of or used CT before. Perceived mental and emotional benefits included relaxation,stress relief, relieving musculoskeletal aches and pains. Service challenges included time and funding, though staff felt CT may be cost-effective.

CONCLUSIONS: CT may provide important support and treatment options for HIV disease, but cost effectiveness requires further evaluation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)65-9
Number of pages5
JournalComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Volume20
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2014

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities
  • Complementary Therapies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections
  • Humans
  • London
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies

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