Open dialogue about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) integrated in conventional oncology care, characteristics and impact. A systematic review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review evidence on the characteristics, experiences and impact of an open dialogue about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) integrated in oncology care. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis, Cochrane Central Register, clinicaltrials.gov, forskningsdatabase.dk and PROSPERO. Two reviewers screened title, abstract and full-text articles. Each study was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and synthesized narratively. PROSPERO registration CRD42019112242. RESULTS: We retrieved 4736 articles and included 5; 3 received 9 ½, 1 received 9, and 1 received 5 points on the CASP score. Predominately, the open dialogue was one or two individual, patient-centered, face-to-face consultations led by oncology physicians. In one study, it was a tele-phone consultation and in another it was structured counseling led by pharmacists. Integrated information and recommendations about CAM contributed to high level of satisfaction and improvement in concerns, quality of life and well-being. CONCLUSION: Integration of open dialogue about CAM in oncology care including acknowledging patients' preferences, values, wishes and knowledge, and providing information about CAM expands the opportunities for improving patients' health, quality of life and wellbeing. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Open dialogue about CAM has potentials, but research on how it specifically helps patients, is needed.

Efficacy of open dialogue about complementary and alternative medicine compared with standard care in improving quality of life in patients undergoing conventional oncology treatment (CAMONCO 2): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…It will also add to the evidence-based knowledge on communication about CAM between patients and health professionals in clinical practice. Only few studies have exclusively explored the effects OD-CAM integrated in conventional oncology care 26. Most of them include both open dialogue and the provision of CAM and mainly assess patient satisfaction.…”

“…The fundamental starting point of integrative oncology is that patients and health professionals openly discuss safe and healthy use of CAM 9. Studies have shown that counselling about CAM as an integral part of conventional oncology treatment engages patients in their own healthcare, increases patient-centred communication and leads to higher clinician25 and patient satisfaction 26. Counselling about CAM also addresses patient stress and uncertainty because it reduces exposure to misleading information.…”

Impact of Open Dialogue about Complementary Alternative Medicine—A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Nevertheless, considering the high rate of CAM use among Danish cancer patients [ 5 ], there is a need for health professionals and patients to have an open dialogue about the potential benefits and harms of CAM when combined with conventional oncology treatment [ 27 , 28 ]. Studies have shown that open dialogue about CAM increases patient engagement, patient-centered communication and higher clinician [ 29 ] and patient satisfaction [ 30 ]. It addresses patient stress and uncertainty, reduces exposure to misleading information and enhances the patient–physician relationship, which is paramount in delivering high-quality care [ 31 ].…”

Educational courses on non-pharmacologic complementary interventions for nurses across Europe: The INES mapping pilot study

“…However, with the increased use of medication comes the risk of more adverse effects and opioid dependency (Bosetti et al, 2019;Tick et al, 2018). More and more, both health care professionals and patients call for de-medicalization and show greater interest in the complementary use of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) (Breivik et al, 2013;Fjaer et al, 2020;Greenlee et al, 2017;Hall et al, 2018;Qaseem et al, 2017;Rogge et al, 2021;Stie et al, 2020).…”