Complementary medicine visits by palliative care patients: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundThe paucity of empirical research examining complementary medicine (CM) use in palliative care in France compared with other countries results in a gap in scientific knowledge. This study aims to describe the frequency and the cause of palliative care patients consulting with a CM clinician along with the conventional physicians.MethodsThis study is an observational cross-sectional survey conducted in three palliative care centres in Lyon, France, between July 2017 and May 2018: two tertiary hospitals and one palliative care unit in a private hospital. Inpatients and outpatients visiting the palliative care clinics with a primary diagnosis of cancer were invited to participate in the study. Using a 19-item paper-based survey instrument, we collected data on the participants’ personal characteristics, health service utilisation and attitudes towards CM.ResultsFrom the 138 participants meeting the inclusion criteria, 100 (72.4%) were included in the study. On average, they were 62.9 years old (SD 12.4) and the majority were women (60%). The primary cancer site was mostly colorectal (29.0%), breast (15.0%) and gynaecological (11.0%). The most commonly visited CM clinician was the aromatherapist (72.7%), recording more than six consultations (78.1%) for symptom management (21.9%). Visits to an osteopath were reported by 28.6% of patients, and 45.8% of osteopathy users reported visiting an osteopath more than six times for symptom management (62.5%). Participants visiting a naturopath (15.3%) reported less than four visits and indicated symptom management as the most common reason (76.9%).ConclusionsOur findings show a substantial proportion of palliative care patients visit CM clinicians and primarily seek symptom management from CM clinical care.

The use of complementary alternative medicines in advanced cancer patients followed at home

“…In France, a country with many economic and cultural affinities with Italy, an observational cross-sectional survey conducted in inpatients and outpatients visiting the palliative care clinics, the majority of advanced cancer patients (90%) had used CAM in the previous six months or since their primary cancer diagnosis [ 16 ]. The average out-of-pocket expenses associated with CAM use were about 157 euros/month.…”

“…Information about the use of CAM in advanced cancer patients is lacking, particularly in Western European countries. A recent survey performed in France showed that a large number of advanced cancer patients (90%) were using CAM in the previous six months or since their primary cancer diagnosis [ 16 ]. This is a very impressive data, considering the Health Care system, that is similar to that of Italy.…”