Exploring TCAM integration in EoLC in adult Hospices in England v7
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How is traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine, integrated into end-of-life care services provided by hospices in England?
IRAS ID
361701
Contact name
Karen Higginbotham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 14 days
Research summary
Many hospices in England now offer traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) - therapies like acupuncture, massage, and reflexology - alongside conventional medical care for patients approaching end-of-life. While these therapies can provide additional comfort and support during this sensitive time, there is limited understanding of how hospices successfully integrate these services with their core medical care. This research is important because it will help other hospices learn from successful examples and develop better frameworks for offering holistic care to patients and families.
This qualitative study will explore how traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine is integrated into end-of-life care services provided by hospices in England, examining the organisational processes, decision-making, and practical arrangements that enable successful integration. The research will involve semi-structured interviews with approximately 60 participants across four purposively selected hospices in England. These hospices offer unique or varied TCAM services, including some that are the only hospices in England to offer specific therapies like osteopathy and acupuncture.
Participants will include healthcare professionals involved in commissioning, organising, or delivering TCAM services; TCAM practitioners working within hospices; patients aged 18 or older receiving end-of-life care who are aware of or have accessed TCAM services; and their carers. Participants will take part in one interview lasting 20-60 minutes depending on their role, conducted either via secure video conferencing or in person at the hospice. Healthcare professionals will discuss their experiences of TCAM integration, while patients and carers will share their perspectives on accessing these services.
The findings will inform the development of a practical framework to guide hospices on effective TCAM integration, ultimately enhancing holistic care available to patients and families. This research is part of a PhD study at Liverpool John Moores University and will recruit participants from four hospices across England.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0109
Date of REC Opinion
25 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion