Objective We examined the qualitative impact of an online integrative oncology (IO) treatment program, designed in response to the restrictions created by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Patients undergoing chemotherapy were seen by an integrative physician (IP), together co-designing an IO treatment program of ≥ 6 weekly treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life (QoL). IO practitioners guided patients and their caregivers online in self-treatment with manual/touch, movement, and/or mind-body modalities. Narratives of both patients and IO practitioners were analyzed for systematic coding, identifying barriers and advantages of the online treatment program. Results Narratives obtained from 30 patients and eight IO-trained practitioners were examined. The patients had undergone 169 online IO sessions with a total of 327 IO interventions during the 3-month study period. Patient narratives included reflections on both non-specific effects (e.g., less of a “sense of isolation”) and specific QoL-related outcomes with the online intervention. IO practitioner narratives focused on barriers to providing manual-movement and mind-body modalities, suggesting practical recommendations on how to address specific QoL-related outcomes using the online IO “toolbox.” Conclusions Effective online IO practitioner-guided treatments are feasible and may induce both specific and non-specific QoL-related effects. Future research needs to explore online IO interventions for additional situations in which access to IO care is limited.
Objective Nurses are increasingly becoming involved in integrative oncology (IO) programs. This study examined the additive effect of nurse-provided guidance for self-administered IO therapies on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life (QoL). Methods The study was randomized and controlled, enrolling patients undergoing active oncology treatment with IO interventions for fatigue and other QoL-related outcomes. IO practitioner guidance on self-treatment with manual, relaxation, and/or traditional herbal therapies was provided to patients in both the intervention and control arms. However, patients in the intervention arms also received additional guidance on self-treatment by IO-trained palliative care nurses. All participants were assessed for fatigue and QoL at baseline and at 24-h follow-up, using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCAW) questionnaire tools. Results Of 353 patients recruited, 187 were randomized to the intervention and 166 to the control group. Both groups had similar demographic and oncology-related characteristics. Patients in the intervention arm reported significantly greater improvement in ESAS scores for fatigue ( p = 0.026) and appetite ( p = 0.003) when compared to controls. Conclusion The addition of nurse-provided guidance on self-administration of IO treatments to that provided by IO practitioners further reduced short-term scores for fatigue and improved appetite. The relationship between palliative and IO-supportive cancer care requires further study.
Context and objectives: The present study examined the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) in designing a multi-disciplinary model of supportive cancer care for the relief of dermatology-related symptoms caused by immunotherapy. Methods: This qualitative study identified patients undergoing oncology therapy with MoAB, anti-HER2 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies among a cohort of patients referred to an integrative oncology (IO) consultation for symptom relief and improved quality of life (QoL). Case-studies with significant dermatology-related concerns were selected and presented to a panel of 6 HCPs trained in medical oncology, oncology nursing, family medicine, supportive cancer care and IO. HCP narratives were qualitatively analyzed and assessed using ATLAS.Ti software for systematic coding. Results: Of 924 patients referred to the IO consultation, 208 were treated with immunotherapy, from which 50 were selected for further evaluation. Of these, and 7 cases were presented to the HCP team which then identified treatment gaps requiring a multi-disciplinary approach. Qualitative analysis identified 3 major themes: a biophysical perspective; a psycho-social-spiritual perspective; and the implementation of integrated care. Discussion: There is a need for a multi-disciplinary approach when treating patients suffering from immunotherpay-related skin toxicities. HCP-reported themes highlight the need to identify patients where such an approach is warranted; conditions where a psycho-social-spiritual perspective should be considered in addition to the bio-physical approach; and considerations of who should be appointed as the patient’s case manager.
Context and objectives: Nurses are increasingly becoming involved in integrative oncology (IO) programs. This study examined the additive effect of nurse-provided guidance for self-administered IO therapies on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life (QoL). Methods: The study was randomized and controlled, enrolling patients undergoing active oncology with IO treatments for fatigue and other QoL-related outcomes. IO practitioner-guidance on self-treatment with manual, relaxation and/or traditional herbal therapies was provided to patients in both the intervention and control arms. However, patients in the intervention arms also received additional guidance on self-treatment by IO-trained palliative care nurses. All participants were assessed for fatigue and QoL at baseline and at 24-hour follow-up, using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCAW) questionnaire tools. Results: Of 353 patients recruited, 187 were randomized to the intervention and 166 to the control group. Both groups had similar demographic and oncology-related characteristics. Patients in the intervention arm reported significantly greater improvement in ESAS scores for fatigue (p=0.026) and appetite (p=0.003) when compared to controls. Conclusion: The addition of nurse-provided guidance on self-administration of IO treatments to that provided by IO practitioners further reduced short-term scores for fatigue and improved appetite. The relationship between palliative and IO supportive cancer care requires further study.
Context and objectives: The present study examined the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) in designing a multi-disciplinary model of supportive cancer care for the relief of dermatology-related symptoms caused by immunotherapy. Methods: This qualitative study identified patients undergoing oncology therapy with MoAB, anti-HER2 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies among a cohort of patients referred to an integrative oncology (IO) consultation for symptom relief and improved quality of life (QoL). Case-studies with significant dermatology-related concerns were selected and presented to a panel of 6 HCPs trained in medical oncology, oncology nursing, family medicine, supportive cancer care and IO. HCP narratives were qualitatively analyzed and assessed using ATLAS.Ti software for systematic coding. Results: Of 924 patients referred to the IO consultation, 208 were treated with immunotherapy, from which 50 were selected for further evaluation. Of these, and 7 cases were presented to the HCP team which then identified treatment gaps requiring a multi-disciplinary approach. Qualitative analysis identified 3 major themes: a biophysical perspective; a psycho-social-spiritual perspective; and the implementation of integrated care. Discussion: There is a need for a multi-disciplinary approach when treating patients suffering from immunotherpay-related skin toxicities. HCP-reported themes highlight the need to identify patients where such an approach is warranted; conditions where a psycho-social-spiritual perspective should be considered in addition to the bio-physical approach; and considerations of who should be appointed as the patient’s case manager.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.