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Developing an operational model for an integrative oncology program: a qualitative descriptive feasibility study
Laura Weeks1, Dugald Seely, Cathy DeGrasse
1Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre, 29 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa, Canada, K1Y 2E5, lweeks@oicc.ca.
Purpose:
We describe a descriptive qualitative study with the purpose of assessing the feasibility of developing an integrative oncology program in our region.
Methods:
We conducted 39 interviews and two focus groups (n = 20) with cancer patients, their caregivers and complementary and conventional (n = 15) healthcare professionals.
Results:
One primary theme emerged, acceptance or tolerance of an integrative oncology program, which represents concepts within four emergent categories: (1) operational model; (2) values to guide an integrative oncology program; (3) physical location and design; and (4) facilitators and barriers to establishing an integrative oncology program.
Conclusions:
The study was instrumental in establishing support for an integrative oncology program in our region, including a feasible model. Based in part on the results of this study, the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre ( www.oicc.ca ) opened in November 2011. We recommend a similar process of stakeholder engagement for others who wish to develop an integrative program in their location.
