การสังเคราะห์งานวิจัยที่เกี่ยวกับการดูแลผู้ป่วยแบบประคับประคอง โดยใช้ภูมิปัญญาการแพทย์แผนไทยในผู้ป่วยโรคมะเร็ง

Somporn Jitruttanaporn; Tanavan Sriamonruttanakul

Authors

Somporn Jitruttanaporn Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Pathum Thani University
Tanavan Sriamonruttanakul Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Pathum Thani University

Keywords:

palliative care, cancer, traditional thai medicine wisdom

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care for cancer patients, incorporating Thai traditional medicine, aims to improve their quality of life. Understanding the integration of Thai traditional wisdom in this care is critical.

Research objectives: To review the characteristics of research and the body of knowledge on palliative care for cancer patients using Thai traditional medicine and to evaluate the outcomes of its application.

Research methodology: This descriptive research employed a research synthesis approach. Relevant literature was identified using the keywords: palliative care, cancer patients, and Thai traditional medicine. Reviewing 20 studies that met the quality criteria.

Results: Most of the studies were quantitative, 13 studies and seven were qualitative. The findings were synthesized into three categories: care models, procedures, and methods. Outcomes were classified as physical (Kayanamaya), mental (Cittanamaya), and social and environmental well-being (Jivitanamaya). Patients experienced enhanced quality of life, increased security, and alleviated suffering, facilitating a more peaceful end-of-life.

Conclusions: Thai traditional medicine-based palliative care significantly improves the holistic quality of life of patients with cancer.

Implications: Holistic integrative palliative care, which incorporates Thai traditional wisdom and is supported by multidisciplinary as well as community-based approaches, should be promoted to ensure dignified end-of-life care.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

All.Can Thailand. Cancer anywhere in Thailand [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Sep 2]. Available from: https://www.all-can.org/efficiency-hub/cancer-anywhere-in-thailand/

Chen LF, Chang CM, Huang CY. Home-based hospice care reduces end-of-life expenditure in Taiwan: A population-based study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(38):e1613.

Boonsawad P, Pumduang A, Auswapinyokit N, Tongboonchoo C. The effect of complementary and integrative therapy on pain and pain distress in patients with cancer. Thai Red Cross Nursing Journal 2020;13(2):257–70. (in Thai)

Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. Supervision and driving report on Thai traditional and alternative medicine; 2017. (in Thai)

Nootim P, Kapol N, Bunchuailua W. Thai traditional medicine practitioner and disciplinary team participation in the process of palliative care for end-stage liver cancer at Thai Traditional and Integrated Medical Hospital. Journal of Public Health 2019;28(5):906–14. (in Thai)

Wiratchai N. Research synthesis on Thai education quality: A meta-analysis. Bangkok: Office of the Education Council, Ministry of Education; 2009. (in Thai)

Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'Brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implement Science 2010;5:69.

Amin MEK, Norgaard LS, Cavaco AM, Witry MJ, Hillman L, Cernasev A, et al. Establishing trustworthiness and authenticity in qualitative pharmacy research. Research in Social & Administrative Pharmacy 2020;16(10):1472–82.

Center to Advance Palliative Care. What is palliative care? [Internet]. New York: Center to Advance Palliative Care; 2025 [cited 2025 Jun 2]. Available from: https://getpalliativecare.org/whatis/

Juntaramano S, Swangareeruk J. The wisdom of indigenous healers in cancer treatment. Journal of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine 2017;15(3):286–300. (in Thai)

Mokkaew P, Phra Palat Somchai Payoko, Chaiwaramankul Y, Nakkarnlian M. Development of Dhammanamai principles in Thai traditional medicine: A case study in Pho Rang Madu Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom Province. Journal of MCU Peace Studies 2019;7(Suppl):17–31. (in Thai)

Lumlerdkij N, Tantiwongse J, Booranasubkajorn S, Boonrak R, Akarasereenont P, Laohapand T, et al. Understanding cancer and its treatment in Thai traditional medicine: An ethnopharmacological-anthropological investigation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2018;214:114-21.

Goleman D, Davidson RJ. Altered traits: science reveals how meditation changes your mind, brain, and body. New York: Avery; 2017.

Tang YY, Hölzel BK, Posner MI. The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2015;16(4):213–25.

Najafpour Z, Shayanfard K. Effect of reflexology in treating cancer pain: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Cancer Management 2020;9(2):71–80.

Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. Health promotion through chanting the Great Emperor Mantra by Phra Warongkot Viriyatharo (Luang Ta Ma) [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Jun 2]. Available from: https://www.gotoknow.org/posts/714354 (in Thai)

Nagy DS, Isaic A, Motofelea AC, Popovici DI, Diaconescu RG, Negru SM, et al. The role of spirituality and religion in improving Quality of life and coping mechanisms in cancer patients. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) 2024;12(23):2349.

Mao JJ, Ismaila N, Bao T, Li S, Smith TJ, Cohen L, et al. Integrative medicine for pain management in oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology–ASCO Guideline. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2022;40(34):3998–4024.

Das G, Gouda S, Kerry RG, Cortés HC, Del Prado-Audelo ML, Leyva-Gómez G, et al. Study of traditional uses, extraction procedures, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological properties of Tiliacora triandra. Journal of Chemistry 2022;2022:8754528.

Luanratanakorn S, Kueareenuntawoot S, Sangsai N. Effects of cold-pressed Tiliacora extract in reducing mucositis among leukemia patients treated with chemotherapy at Uttaradit Hospital. Health Science and Clinical Research 2021;36(1):28–40. (in Thai)

Chantor P. The study of clinical efficacy and safety of Benjakul recipe in stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer [master’s thesis]. Bangkok: Thammasat University, Faculty of Medicine; 2016. (in Thai)

Itharat A, Rattarom R, Hansakul P, Sakpakdeejaroen I, Ooraikul B, Davies NM. The effects of Benjakul extract and its isolated compounds on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H226. Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences 2021;16(2):129-40.

Pagano C, Navarra G, Coppola L, Bifulco M, Laezza C. Molecular mechanism of cannabinoids in cancer progression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021;22(7):3680.

Doppen M, Kung S, Maijers I, John M, Dunphy H, Townsley H, et al. Cannabis in palliative care: A systematic review of current evidence. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2022;64(5):e260-84.

Khiewkhern S, Promthet S, Sukprasert A, Eunhpinitpong W, Bradshaw P. Effectiveness of aromatherapy with light Thai massage for cellular immunity improvement in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013;14(6):3903–7.

Álvarez-Pérez Y, Rivero-Santana A, Perestelo-Pérez L, Duarte-Díaz A, Ramos-García V, Toledo-Chávarri A, et al. Effectiveness of Mantra-based meditation on mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2022;19(6):3380.

Monpolsri E, Singweratham N, Dithaprawat B, Phaekhuntod S, Kaewprom N, Jatturakasem N. A model of complementary care based on Dhammanamai principles for palliative care of cancer patients. Journal of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Surin 2022;12(2):114–29. (in Thai)