How is complementary medicine discussed in oncology? Observing real-life communication between clinicians and patients with advanced cancer. Issue 11 (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mentink, Marit D.C.; van Vliet, Liesbeth M.; Timmer-Bonte, Johanna (Anja) N.H.; Noordman, Janneke; van Dulmen, Sandra
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 105:Issue 11(2022)
• Page Start: 3235
• Page End: 3241
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Complementary medicine -- Oncology -- Healthcare communication -- Symptom management -- Qualitative research; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.08.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to examine the structure of communication about complementary medicine (CM) between patients with cancer and clinicians during oncology consultations. Methods: Previously, consultations between 29 clinicians and 80 patients with advanced cancer were recorded in six hospitals in the Netherlands. The present study considers a secondary analysis. References to CM during the consultation were coded using a self-developed observational coding scheme. Results: At least one reference to CM was observed in 35 out of 80 consultations (44 %), with a total of 73 references. In most cases, CM was initially referred to by patients. Clinicians often did not elaborate on the subject of CM. Relevant aspects related to CM (e.g., safety, effectiveness) were infrequently discussed. Both patients and clinicians showed predominantly neutral to positive attitudes towards CM. Conclusions: This study shows that patients are still the main initiators of discussions about CM and the topic is not consistently discussed in daily oncology practice. Practice implications: If exploration of patients' interest in CM or its use became routine in oncology practice, it may relieve patients of the burden of introducing the topic, decrease potential risks of CM use and increase access to evidence-based CM for all patients with cancer. Highlights: Communication about complementary medicine is not routine practice in oncology. Patients mainly initiate conversations about complementary medicine. Clinicians are not always attentive to the topic of complementary medicine. Safety and effectivity of complementary medicine are rarely discussed.