Nurse-guided patient self-treatment in integrative oncology: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective Nurses are increasingly becoming involved in integrative oncology (IO) programs. This study examined the additive effect of nurse-provided guidance for self-administered IO therapies on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life (QoL). Methods The study was randomized and controlled, enrolling patients undergoing active oncology treatment with IO interventions for fatigue and other QoL-related outcomes. IO practitioner guidance on self-treatment with manual, relaxation, and/or traditional herbal therapies was provided to patients in both the intervention and control arms. However, patients in the intervention arms also received additional guidance on self-treatment by IO-trained palliative care nurses. All participants were assessed for fatigue and QoL at baseline and at 24-h follow-up, using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCAW) questionnaire tools. Results Of 353 patients recruited, 187 were randomized to the intervention and 166 to the control group. Both groups had similar demographic and oncology-related characteristics. Patients in the intervention arm reported significantly greater improvement in ESAS scores for fatigue ( p = 0.026) and appetite ( p = 0.003) when compared to controls. Conclusion The addition of nurse-provided guidance on self-administration of IO treatments to that provided by IO practitioners further reduced short-term scores for fatigue and improved appetite. The relationship between palliative and IO-supportive cancer care requires further study.

Integrative Nursing Interventions for Cancer-Related Symptoms in Oncology Inpatients: Results of a Descriptive Pilot Study

“…In a study on nurse-guided patient self-treatment in integrative oncology, Ben-Arye et al demonstrated symptom improvement within 24 hours of intervention as a short-term effect. 42 Many participants in the present study have experienced notable improvements in their overall well-being and specific symptoms. The offer of IN was positively evaluated by the participants: The satisfaction levels with the IN were remarkably high, with a large proportion of participants reporting a positive experience.…”

Atención de enfermería basada en los principios básicos de los cuidados paliativos integrales para pacientes oncológicos.

“…La participación de enfermería en programas de oncología integrativa está en aumento. En un estudio sobre el efecto aditivo de la orientación proporcionada por estos profesionales para las terapias de autocuidado en oncología integrativa, se encontró que esta adición redujo aún más las puntuaciones de fatiga y mejoró el apetito a corto plazo (Ben-Arye et al, 2023).…”