Evaluation of an Integrative Care Program in Pediatric Oncology

Abstract

<jats:p> Purpose: This article discusses the results of an evaluation of the one-year implementation period of an integrative care program at a pediatric oncology ward, which consists of integrative care treatments offered three times a week to the patients. The guiding questions are how the model was implemented, which factors have to be considered for successful implementation, and which factors showed to be obstacles during implementation. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was applied for data saturation. Qualitative data consist of participant observations and informal conversations during the implementation phase. All observational records were filed in the data program MAXQDA. For the quantitative data, all integrative care treatments applied on the intensive care unit were documented and subsequently filed in an Excel sheet. Both sets of data were analyzed for the evaluation. Results: Four main thematic clusters influenced the implementation: (1) the organization and structure of the intensive care unit; (2) mood and atmosphere; (3) feedback on treatment; and (4) time and experience. All factors are interlinked and cannot be looked at independently. Results of the quantitative data show that the most frequent used treatments were those with calming and relaxing effects, followed by treatments for stomachache, nausea, and obstipation. Conclusions: The implementation of an integrative model of care is a process that demands thorough understanding of the complex setting of the ward, ongoing adaptation to the structures and organization of the ward, and the integration of factors like feedback, time, atmosphere, and the mood of parents, patients, and nurses. </jats:p>

Feasibility and Application of Cluster Nursing to the Care of Patients with Acute Oncology

“…Oncology surgery patients are usually treated with chemotherapy, in the process of chemotherapy through peripheral venous puncture central venous catheter (PICC) is more widely used, the pain caused by repeated puncture can be avoided, and at the same time can largely reduce the damage and stimulation of blood vessels [ 1 ]. Failure to do so can lead to a range of complications that can impact patient care and health status recovery [ 2 ]. To avoid complications during the indwelling of the PICC catheter and ensure the smooth progress of the treatment process, this study adopts the cluster nursing method, which has high application value in improving the prognosis of patients.…”

Integrative oncology in cancer care – implementation factors: mixed-methods systematic review

“…The full text of one study could not be retrieved, and 62 full-text studies failed to meet the criteria and so were eliminated. The remaining 28 studies met our criteria and had been published between 1998 and 202123–50 ((online supplemental table S1), (online supplemental file 2). Twenty-five were single-site studies, mainly from Europe (n = 8), North America (n = 7) and Oceania (n = 6).…”

“…Details of the methodological quality assessment conducted using the MMAT are presented in online supplemental tables S3 to S7, (online supplemental file 2). Nineteen qualitative studies were appraised, with 10 (52.6%)24 25 29 33–35 37 44 46 49 fulfilling all five of the relevant criteria (online supplemental table S3). Thirteen quantitative descriptive studies were evaluated, with five (38.5%)42–45 48 fulfilling all five of the relevant criteria (online supplemental table S4), (online supplemental file 2).…”

“…Nineteen qualitative studies were appraised, with 10 (52.6%)24 25 29 33–35 37 44 46 49 fulfilling all five of the relevant criteria (online supplemental table S3). Thirteen quantitative descriptive studies were evaluated, with five (38.5%)42–45 48 fulfilling all five of the relevant criteria (online supplemental table S4), (online supplemental file 2). Eight mixed-methods studies were examined using the five relevant criteria.…”

“…Eight mixed-methods studies were examined using the five relevant criteria. Three (37.5%)30 37 44 fulfilled all the criteria (online supplemental table S5), (online supplemental file 2). In all cases, if a study fulfilled all the relevant criteria, this indicated that it had high methodological quality.…”