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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-08-2019 | Original Article

Integrative medicine therapeutic approaches to cancer care: patient preferences from focus groups

Authors: Wonsun (Sunny) Kim, Dara James, Denise M. Millstine

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 8/2019

Abstract

Purpose

To understand patient preferences for integrative therapeutics and/or modalities during cancer care.

Methods

Cancer patients currently going through treatment were recruited from the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Participants were asked to engage in 1 of 4 focus groups to understand preferences regarding integrative therapeutic modalities in cancer treatment. Focus group data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Eighty-five percent of inter-coder reliability was achieved with four team investigators.

Results

Nineteen cancer patients participated in four focus groups with mixed cancer types (42% breast cancer), gender (53% female), and age (69% over age 60). Focus group analyses resulted in five themes with respect to preferences regarding integrative therapeutic modalities among cancer patients: (1) preference regarding accurate and congruent information; (2) preference regarding stress and symptom management; (3) preference regarding discussion of integrative therapies with healthcare providers (4) preference regarding support from family and friends; and (5) preference regarding personalized holistic care.

Conclusions

Patients have a desire to discuss integrative therapeutic aspects of their cancer treatment with healthcare providers. Understanding patient preferences allows opportunity for oncology providers to increase awareness/education of integrative therapeutic modalities. Increased integrative therapeutic knowledge may best support recovery and increased quality of life.

Implications

Qualitative research may facilitate understanding the scope of cancer patient preferences regarding the desire and use of integrative therapeutic modalities. A conceptual understanding of cancer patient preferences regarding integrative therapies and modalities may best inform successful direction and efficacy of treatment strategies.

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Title: Integrative medicine therapeutic approaches to cancer care: patient preferences from focus groups
Authors: Wonsun (Sunny) Kim
Dara James
Denise M. Millstine
Publication date: 01-08-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 8/2019
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4601-7

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Implications

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