Integrative medicine consultation with cancer patients: Does it affect patients concerns and well-being?

Abstract

e20581 Background: Increased numbers of cancer patients are searching for additional options outside of their conventional medical care to improve their clinical outcome, quality of life, and overall wellbeing. Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM)) is one of the main options that patients are incorporating. The objectives of this study were to assess the outcome and value of an integrative medicine clinical consultation. Methods: Patients attending academic integrative medicine clinic evaluated their concerns and wellbeing using the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW) scale, a validated tool assessing outcome of complementary consultation for cancer patients. Prior to each visit patients completed the MYCaW and listed their two main concerns, the severity of the concern (0 = does not bother me at all to 6 = bothers me greatly), and their wellbeing (0 = as good as can be to 6 = as bad as can be). All patients met with a physician who provided an integrative consultation that included discussion of nutrition, supplements, exercise, useful complementary therapies, and the mind-body-spirit connection. At the follow up visit (usually 2–3 months later) patients completed the MYCaW to evaluate if the initial concerns were met. Results: Oncologists in the cancer center referred 197 patients for consultation about the integration of complementary medicine to their care. The majority of the participants were female (n=121), mean age was 56, range 21–90. Patients had been using a large range of CIM therapies including nutritional supplements (n=144), dietary changes (n=36), and acupuncture (n=33). The leading diagnosis was breast cancer followed by prostate cancer, but all major cancer diagnoses were represented. The leading concerns were related to “What else can I do?” and “How can I better cope?” From pre to post there was a reduction in severity of the concerns scores in 79% of patients, no change for 8%, and an increase for 13% (mean pre = 4.6; mean post = 2.6). For the question of Well being there was a reduction for 49%, no change for 32%, and an increase for 18% of the patients (mean pre = 2.5; mean post = 1.82). Conclusions: Integrative medicine consultations for cancer patients appear to be a valuable service that addresses patients’ main concerns and improves well being. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Open dialogue about complementary and alternative medicine early in the oncology treatment trajectory. A qualitative study of patients’ lived experiences

“…In addition, they can help address patients' concerns and improve their quality of life and well-being (37,38).…”