Surveys of Cancer Patients and Cancer Health Care Providers Regarding Complementary Therapy Use, Communication, and Information Needs

Abstract

Background. Complementary therapies (CTs) are increasingly utilized by cancer patients. Nonetheless, patients report insufficient support from health care practitioners (HCPs) and there is a general lack of patient-practitioner communication about CT use. Best care practices suggest that HCPs should address the needs of patients, including CT use. This study examined current practices of patients and HCPs as well as their interactions relating to CTs. Methods. A total of 481 cancer outpatients and 100 HCPs completed questionnaires. Patient questions addressed CT use and information needs; HCP questions addressed knowledge, opinions and beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine. Patient-practitioner communication around CT was also examined. Results. 47% of patients reported using CTs since diagnosis. Many commenced CT use to improve quality of life (65%) based on recommendations from family or friends. Patients acknowledged the need for trusted sources of information and would attend a hospital-based education program (72%). HCPs reported limited training about CTs but most (90%) expressed interested in receiving more training. The majority of HCPs (>80%) reported limited knowledge about the role of CTs in cancer care or evidence to support CT use. Questions about communication and interactions revealed that 80% of patients reported not having had an HCP speak to them about CTs. However, 63% of HCPs reported addressing CT use. Conclusion. Results demonstrate a need for improved CT education and training for patients and HCPs. increasing HCP knowledge and clinical skills will ensure patients’ information needs about CTs are acknowledged and attended to, thereby providing safer and comprehensive cancer care.

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

“…NHPs, which are commonly used by up to 75% of cancer patients,[1516] also are not covered under the Canada Health Act, requiring users to pay out of pocket for these products. It is estimated that Canadians spend approximately 7.8 million dollars yearly on CAM products and practitioners.…”

Beweggründe von Krebspatienten für und gegen die Inanspruchnahme der Misteltherapie

“…In einer amerikanischen Studie äußerten jedoch etwa 66% von 392 Onkologen, dass sie nicht genug Wissen hätten, um Fragen zu Kräutersubstanzen und Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln von Patienten ausreichend beantworten zu können [23]. In einer Studie mit Hausärzten in Kanada äußerten über 80% der befragten Ärzte, dass sie nicht über ausreichendes Wissen zu KM im Rahmen der onkologischen Versorgung verfügten [24]. Auch in Deutschland gaben nur 21% der befragten Palliativmediziner an, ausreichend über KM informiert zu sein [25], und in einer qualitativen Studie mit 10 Hausärzten gaben diese an, dass sie sich im Themenfeld KM bei onkologischen Patienten unsicher fühlten [26].…”

Adherence to a Mindfulness and Relaxation Self-Care App for Cancer Patients: Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study (Preprint)

“…mindfulness and relaxation, are also commonly used on their own and have been studied extensively with promising effects in both healthy and patient populations [15,[17][18][19][20]. In addition, an increasing number of cancer patients are interested in or use mindfulness or relaxation interventions [21].…”