Integrating a complementary medicine consultation for women undergoing chemotherapy

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2014 Jan;124(1):51-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.07.019. Epub 2013 Oct 5.

Abstract

Objective: To explore oncology healthcare providers' (HCPs') patterns of referral of women undergoing chemotherapy to a complementary medicine (CM) consultation integrated within a conventional oncology service.

Methods: Oncology HCPs used a structured referral system for referral to an integrative physician (IP) for CM consultation. Referral goals were in accordance with a specified list of quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes.

Results: In total, the study HCPs referred 282 female patients, of whom 238 (84.4%) underwent CM consultation by the study IP: 59 (24.8%) with gynecologic cancer and 179 (75.2%) with non-gynecologic cancer. Use of CM for cancer-related outcomes was significantly higher among referred patients with gynecologic cancer than those with non-gynecologic cancer (69.5% vs 46.9%; P=0.003). Oncologists initiated most of the referrals in the gynecologic oncology group, whereas oncologic nurses referred most patients in the non-gynecologic oncology group. Among patients with gynecologic cancer, the correlation between HCP indication and patient expectation was high for gastrointestinal concerns (κ 0.41).

Conclusion: The integration of a structured and informed process of referral to CM consultation may enhance patient-centered care and QOL during chemotherapy.

Keywords: Complementary medicine; Doctor–patient communication; Gynecologic oncology; Integrative medicine; Quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Complementary Therapies*
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Integrative Medicine*
  • Middle Aged
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents