Giving voice to cancer patients: assessing non‐specific effects of an integrative oncology therapeutic program via short patient narratives

Abstract

Short patient narratives should be considered for patient-reported outcomes, expressing perspectives of both effects and experience of care. CM may promote patient QoL-related outcomes through non-specific effects, enhancing patient-centered care. The benefits of CM dependent on general therapeutic incidental aspects (i.e., common factors) warrant attention regarding non-specific components of treatment.

Quality of life-related outcomes from a patient-tailored integrative medicine program: experience of Russian-speaking patients with cancer in Israel

“…Earlier research of this patient population showed that a patient-tailored CIM approach can impact both specific and non-specific outcomes [24]. Non-specific effects include eliciting empathy among the CIM practitioners, enhancing a patient's sense of confidence, inducing a feeling of "togetherness" and "uniqueness," and invoking an internal process targeted at increasing patients' emotional resilience and empowerment [25]. Specific outcomes of CIM are more the result of direct effects of CIM modalities, either alone or as a multi-modal regimen.…”

Effect of a Complementary/Integrative Medicine Treatment Program on Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

“…11 These narratives are part of the section of the MYCAW questionnaire, which asks patients to respond to the following open-ended question: ''What has been most important aspect (of the therapeutic process) for you?'' Analysis of patient narratives was conducted in 2 stages.…”

Scientific rationale for integrative and personalised strategies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma management

“…Furthermore, the decrease in functional status and increase in disability that result from cancer and its treatment greatly affect the QOL of cancer survivors. Research has shown that evidence-based complementary approaches used in conjugation with standard medical treatments may help to facilitate health during both active oncology treatment and survivorship [267,268]. Complementary therapies include massage therapy, acupuncture, mind-body therapies, musics, therapy, physical exercise and nutrition and nutritional supplements and other modalities [269,270] Integrative Oncology serves to optimally combine conventional therapies and the best complementary therapies to positive influence outcomes and improve quality of life, whether or not a person is near the end of his or her life [265][266][267][268].…”

“…Research has shown that evidence-based complementary approaches used in conjugation with standard medical treatments may help to facilitate health during both active oncology treatment and survivorship [267,268]. Complementary therapies include massage therapy, acupuncture, mind-body therapies, musics, therapy, physical exercise and nutrition and nutritional supplements and other modalities [269,270] Integrative Oncology serves to optimally combine conventional therapies and the best complementary therapies to positive influence outcomes and improve quality of life, whether or not a person is near the end of his or her life [265][266][267][268]. With the evolution of personalised cancer care and growing evidence to support the efficacy of multi-factorial, integrative therapies, personalised treatment plans might be more likely than conventional treatments on their own to meet the patients' needs, while also helping to improve survival and QOL of people affected by cancer.…”