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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 2/2018

01-02-2018 | Original Article

Guidance for establishing an integrative oncology service in the Australian healthcare setting—a discussion paper

Authors: Suzanne J. Grant, Jennifer Hunter, Alan Bensoussan, Geoff P. Delaney

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 2/2018

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Abstract

There is an obvious mismatch between the high reported rates of use of traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) by Australian cancer patients and cancer survivors and the low numbers of Australian cancer services integrating T&CM. An estimated 65% of Australian cancer patients use at least one form of T&CM. Over half use T&CM in conjunction with conventional cancer therapy. Yet, less than 20% of Australian hospital cancer care facilities provide access to T&CM. This compares to around 70% of UK cancer care facilities offering at least one T&CM therapy. Barriers to developing integrative oncology services include determining an appropriate service model and revenue structure; concerns with ethical and legal issues such as regulations and credentialing; and inadequate high-quality scientific evidence demonstrating safety and effectiveness, including concerns about the possibility of adversely affecting chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment. This paper aims to provide general guidance and practical strategies for those seeking to develop integrative oncology services in Australian cancer care facilities.
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Metadata
Title
Guidance for establishing an integrative oncology service in the Australian healthcare setting—a discussion paper
Authors
Suzanne J. Grant
Jennifer Hunter
Alan Bensoussan
Geoff P. Delaney
Publication date
01-02-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3851-0

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