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Addressing Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Individuals With Cancer: An Integrative Review and
Lynda G Balneaves1, Cody Z Watling1, Emilie N Hayward1
1College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|March 26, 2021
Summary
Oncology healthcare providers (HCPs) should discuss complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with cancer patients. This guideline provides 7 recommendations for HCPs to support evidence-informed CAM decision-making for improved patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Integrative Medicine
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent in cancer patients.
- Many patients do not discuss CAM with their healthcare providers (HCPs).
- There is a need for standardized, evidence-informed decision-making support regarding CAM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a clinical practice guideline for oncology HCPs on addressing CAM use.
- To standardize how oncology HCPs discuss, assess, and support CAM decisions.
- To inform patients with cancer in making evidence-based choices about CAM.
Main Methods:
- An integrative literature review was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, AMED) from inception to December 2018.
- Eligible studies focused on oncology HCPs' practices related to CAM discussions and decision support.
- Recommendations were formulated based on appraised evidence and expert panel review.
Main Results:
- 30 studies were included, predominantly observational and qualitative.
- Seven practice recommendations were developed for oncology HCPs.
- Recommendations cover communication, assessment, education, decision coaching, documentation, monitoring, and adverse event reporting for CAM.
Conclusions:
- Addressing CAM use is crucial for safe and comprehensive cancer care.
- Oncology HCPs must integrate discussions and support for CAM into standard practice.
- The guideline provides a framework to support evidence-informed CAM decision-making for cancer patients.
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