Integrating complementary and alternative medicine into cancer care: Canadian oncology nurses′ perspectives

Abstract

The integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional cancer care in Canada is in its nascent stages. While most patients use CAM during their cancer experience, the majority does not receive adequate support from their oncology health care professionals (HCPs) to integrate CAM safely and effectively into their treatment and care. A variety of factors influence this lack of integration in Canada, such as health care professional(HCP) education and attitudes about CAM; variable licensure, credentialing of CAM practitioners, and reimbursement issues across the country; an emerging CAM evidence base; and models of cancer care that privilege diseased-focused care at the expense of whole person care. Oncology nurses are optimally aligned to be leaders in the integration of CAM into cancer care in Canada. Beyond the respect afforded to oncology nurses by patients and family members that support them in broaching the topic of CAM, policies, and position statements exist that allow oncology nurses to include CAM as part of their scope. Oncology nurses have also taken on leadership roles in clinical innovation, research, education, and advocacy that are integral to the safe and informed integration of evidence-based CAM therapies into cancer care settings in Canada.

The effect of complementary therapy for hospital nurses with high stress

“…[8] Some articles written by oncology nurses described the importance and the effectiveness of CAM for cancer patients as cancer care. [9101112] Yokoi demonstrated[13] that acupressure, music therapy, aromatherapy, deep breathing, and massage, including lymphoid massage, were effective for Japanese patients with motor nerve dysfunction caused by chronic diseases and the final stage of cancer. Case studies presented in the study report of stress nursing[14] presented that progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), relaxation music therapy, exercise therapy, and aromatherapy effectively reduce stress and manage chronic symptoms.…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by Patients From the Gulf Region Seen in the International Practice of a Tertiary Care Medical Center

“…51 Honey can, however, cause adverse effects because honey may be contaminated with pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metals, and other toxic compounds, which beekeepers may use to control honeybee diseases. 52 Certainly CAM therapies can be beneficial, and they often meet a need or needs that are not fully addressed by conventional medicine, especially for various chronic conditions, including supportive cancer care [53][54][55] and anxiety disorders. 56 Mind and body therapies can be a helpful adjunct in managing chronic pain and anxiety and stressrelated disorders by fostering resilience through self-care practices, 56 and these practices were used by several patients in our Gulf area patient population.…”

The Perspective of Cancer Patients on the Use of Complementary Medicine

“…Therefore, many cancer patients have been using complementary medicine for a variety of reasons, including the medical treatment's not being effective, concerns about the complications of routine treatments, and symptom management (3,4). Complementary medicine is defined as actions or products that are not classified in conventional treatments and includes a range of treatments such as mind-body medicine, biological treatments, whole medical systems, energy therapy, and manipulative treatments, which are used by cancer patients (5).…”