Managing Patient Expectations: Integrative, Not Alternative

Expectations and beliefs about complementary and integrative medicine are the main predictors of its use in cancer patients. These expectations are rarely informed by consultation with a health care provider but are, rather, a result of family endorsement and information from nonmedical sources. As a rising number of cancer patients pursue integrative medicine, it is of increasing importance that health care providers understand their patients' expectations and motivations. These can range from symptom management to unrealistic hopes for cure. Complementary and integrative medicine can be used to complement criterion-standard cancer care, but is sometimes dangerously touted as an alternative for it. Awareness of these nuances enables providers to initiate effective communication about complementary and integrative medicine and to intervene when unrealistic expectations stand in the way of lifesaving care. Refining patient-centered communication around integrative medicine is essential to avoid unsupervised, potentially harmful use, delays, or interruptions in cancer care and, ultimately, to maximize the benefits of integrative therapies during cancer treatment.