Communication Between Cancer Patients and Physicians About Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Systematic...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Integrative Medicine
• Health Communication

Background:

• Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is rising among cancer patients, often alongside conventional therapies.
• Disclosure of CAM use by patients and information provision by physicians remain suboptimal.
• This review synthesizes literature on CAM communication in cancer care, focusing on nondisclosure and its implications.

Approach:

• A systematic literature search was conducted on MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies published between December 2009 and April 2022.
• 30 articles were included, analyzing patient disclosure, provider perspectives, communication patterns, and recommendations.
• Studies were assessed for quality using the QualSyst instrument.

Key Points:

• Nondisclosure of CAM use is prevalent across the cancer care continuum.
• Factors influencing nondisclosure include patient beliefs, demographics, disease status, physician behavior, and CAM type.
• Poor communication creates a care gap, potentially leading to adverse interactions and missed information exchange.

Conclusions:

• Improving patient-physician dialogue on CAM is essential for evidence-informed, patient-centered cancer care.
• Addressing communication barriers can enhance patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
• Further research and education are needed to optimize CAM communication strategies in oncology.