How does integrative oncology influence patients’ physical and psychosocial outcomes, and what are patients, carers and healthcare professionals’ experiences? An integrative review.

Aust, A.; Walton-Sonda, D.; Paterson, C.

Abstract

Objective: To identify the relationship between integrative oncology (IO) services on patients' physical and psychosocial outcomes and to explore the experiences of IO among patients, carers and healthcare professionals. Data sources: This integrative review was reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A search architecture was developed using key words and the following databases were searched: Medline (OVID), EmCare for Nurses (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID); AMED (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Pubmed, the Cochrane Library (CCRT and CDSR) controlled trials databases and ANZ CTR. All articles were assessed according to a pre-determined selection criterion. 426 articles were assessed and 18 were included (4 qualitative, 9 quantitative and 5 mixed methods). Conclusion: Patients reported a reduction in some cancer related symptoms and treatment related side effects. Positive psychosocial impacts were reported such as an increased ability to cope with their cancer diagnosis and treatment. The experiences of healthcare professionals highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach among the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), ongoing education and research to ensure Complementary Integrative Therapies (CIT) were evidence-based. Implications for nursing practice: The provision of IO impacts positively on patients' self-reported physical and emotional wellbeing and quality of life at all stages of their cancer experience. Patients reported that IO supported their engagement in their own health and wellbeing by increasing feelings of control and empowerment. However, to successfully integrate CIT with conventional cancer treatments it is imperative that cancer centres adopt a collaborative and evidence-based informed approach to CIT.

Citation

AUST, A., WALTON-SONDA, D. and PATERSON, C. 2022. How does integrative oncology influence patients’ physical and psychosocial outcomes, and what are patients, carers and healthcare professionals’ experiences? An integrative review. Seminars in oncology nursing [online], 38(4), article 151258. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2022.151258

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 24, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jul 27, 2022
• Publication Date: Aug 31, 2022
• Deposit Date: May 3, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 28, 2023
• Journal: Seminars in oncology nursing
• Print ISSN: 0749-2081
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-3449
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: 151258
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2022.151258
• Keywords: Cancer support centres; Integrative oncology; Experience; Oncology; Quality of life; Complementary integrative therapy; Supportive care
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1650226
• Additional Information: This article has been published with separate supporting information. This supporting information has been incorporated into a single file on this repository and can be found at the end of this document.