Oncology nurse and PhD student researching CAM use among cancer patients to strengthen dialogue and individualized, patient-centered care.
I am Mikael Källman, an oncology nurse at Gävle Hospital for over 20 years and currently a PhD student at Umeå University. My research explores complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) from the patient’s perspective, with the aim of improving communication and understanding in cancer care.
The overarching goal of my thesis is to contribute to truly person-centered care by examining why patients choose CAM and how these decisions affect their interactions with healthcare professionals. By listening to patients’ experiences, we can move toward care that respects individual values and preferences rather than relying on assumptions or judgment.
The thesis consists of three studies:
Study I: Investigates patterns, experiences, and preferences of CAM use among cancer patients in Region Gävleborg.
Study II: Estimates the prevalence and characteristics of CAM use in rural areas.
Study III: Describes patients’ experiences of communication with healthcare professionals when using CAM.
My motivation stems from early encounters with patients who opted for alternative treatments instead of curative care. These experiences raised important questions about autonomy, trust, and how healthcare can better support informed choices.