Related Experiment Videos
Complementary therapy use by cancer patients. Physicians' perceptions, attitudes, and ideas
Maeve O'Beirne1, Marja Verhoef, Elan Paluck
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, AB. obeirne@ucalgary.ca
Summary
Family physicians recognize that many cancer patients use complementary therapies. Enhanced communication between patients and physicians is crucial for addressing this practice and improving holistic care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Family Medicine
- Integrative Health
Background:
- Complementary therapies are increasingly used by cancer patients.
- Understanding healthcare providers' perspectives is vital for patient care integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore family physicians' perceptions of their cancer patients' use of complementary therapies.
- To identify key themes influencing patient-physician communication regarding complementary therapy use.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative pilot study involving five focus groups with 28 rural and urban family physicians in British Columbia and Alberta.
- Content analysis of focus group transcripts to identify emergent themes.
Main Results:
- Eight themes emerged, including definitions of complementary therapies, holistic health importance, evidence role, physician attitudes, patient use perceptions, communication dynamics, physician roles, and therapy concerns.
- Physicians perceived significant patient use of complementary therapies and highlighted the need for open communication.
Conclusions:
- The study enhances understanding of physicians' views on discussing complementary therapies with cancer patients.
- Identified issues necessitate further education and research to improve patient-physician dialogue and integrated care.