Clinical consultation, a personal perspective: components of a successful integrative medicine clinical consultation

Integrative medicine is becoming an increasingly popular and visible component in oncology care. Thus, the question arises: How can clinicians facilitate, encourage, and integrate the use of complementary and integrative medicines (CIMs) in patients with cancer? The integrative medicine consultation is not easy and involves much more than simply providing reliable information about the proper use of CIM therapies to alleviate symptoms. Some key factors are necessary to allow for a successful consultation for patients and their families and caregivers: physicians must have extensive knowledge of CIM and of cancer care; they must use a sensitive approach in communication with the patient that relies on effective communication skills and experience in listening; and they must have the ability to convey empathy and compassion.