Decision making related to complementary therapies: a process of regaining control.

The process by which women with breast cancer make decisions related to using complementary therapies was investigated using grounded theory. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 16 women receiving orthodox treatment from across the breast cancer trajectory and who used a wide range of complementary therapies. Constant comparative analysis revealed that decision making regarding complementary therapies involved three interconnected sequential phases: (1) Getting something in place: covering all the bases, (2) hand-picking complementary therapies that fit: getting a personalized regimen in place and (3) living with the security of complementary therapies: fine-tuning a regimen to live with. Factors that influenced the decision-making process, both positively and negatively, were identified. Decision making related to the use of complementary therapies was perceived as a means of regaining control during experiences of uncertainty associated with breast cancer; the outcome of which was the maintenance of hope. Implications for supporting women's decision-making efforts regarding complementary therapies are presented.