Challenges in Implementing Guideline on Integrative Oncology and Pain: The Israeli Perspective

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Integrative Medicine
• Palliative Care

Background:

• The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) published joint guidelines for integrative medicine in cancer pain management.
• Integrative oncology (IO) services are increasingly recognized for their role in supportive and palliative care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of implementing the SIO-ASCO integrative medicine guidelines within Israeli supportive and palliative care settings.
• To identify barriers and enablers for the practical application of these guidelines in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative research approach was employed, co-designed by the SIO-ASCO guideline committee and Israeli medical associations.
• A questionnaire was distributed to medical professionals and deans to gather insights on guideline implementation.
• Respondent data were systematically coded and analyzed using ATLAS.Ti software.

Main Results:

• Fifty-two physicians and nurses across various oncology and supportive care disciplines completed the questionnaire.
• Nine Israel Medical Association (IMA)-affiliated societies endorsed the SIO-ASCO guidelines.
• Key domains identified included clinical importance, implementation barriers/facilitators, training needs, referral indications, budget, and administrative models.

Conclusions:

• There was strong consensus among participating medical societies in support of the SIO-ASCO guidelines.
• The study successfully identified critical facilitators and barriers to guide the implementation of integrative oncology recommendations.