Experiences of Integrative Medicine within Palliative Care among Patients with Terminal Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: This study investigated experiences of integrative palliative care among patients with terminal cancer and their families, focusing on the role of Korean medicine.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants and analyzed using inductive content analysis.Results: Five themes emerged: (1) perceptions of palliative care ranging from negative associations with death to positive expectations of comfort and quality of life; (2) motivations for integrative approaches reflecting limited treatment options and anticipated support; (3) perceived benefits of Korean medicine such as physical and emotional improvement and reassuring familiarity; (4) barriers involving negative attitudes of conventional clinicians and financial burden; and (5) expectations for Korean medicine as an integrative approach to symptom management and quality-of-life enhancement.Conclusions: These findings suggest that Korean medicine may complement palliative care by alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life.