Integrative Oncology for the Whole Person: A Multidimensional Approach to Cancer Care

Abstract

Today, more than ever before, millions of people are seeking an approach to medicine and health care that is more comprehensive, more holistic and integrative, and more compassionate and sensitive to their needs as a whole person. This is particularly true for those dealing with cancer. Changing patient demographics, heightened consumer demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products and services, advances in medical science and technology, expanding access to the Internet and health information, and other factors have contributed to a wave of transformation that is unprecedented in its impact on the entire health care system. These trends have fueled the emerging fields of integrative medicine and oncology, which are growing rapidly. As these fields continue to evolve, they will move beyond the present integrative model to a broader vision of whole-person, multidimensional care that will more fully and coherently address and embrace all dimensions of the human experience. This article describes 6 major driving forces behind the wave of transformation presently under way in medicine and health care. It provides a brief, historical overview of integrative medicine and oncology and summarizes the present status of these emerging fields. It discusses the future of integrative medicine and oncology, including a multidimensional approach to care, and highlights 5 key elements that underlie this approach. Finally, it describes The Seven Levels of Healing-a model of multidimensional care-and concludes with a discussion of 3 important challenges and opportunities for medicine and health care that lie on the horizon.

Psychosocial Therapies for Patients With Cancer

“…5 Concurrently, the growing field of integrative cancer care, which seeks to synthesize evidence-based therapies that mutually address the physical and psychosocial-spiritual needs of cancer patients, has been generating an extensive evidence base. 110,111 This review provides a systematic appraisal of a diverse range of PNI-based psychosocial therapies developed in a variety of disciplines for patients across the cancer care continuum. This information can assist health practitioners, researchers and policy makers interested in integrative approaches to evaluate the use of psychosocial therapies in the standard of cancer care.…”

Patient preferences on the integration of complementary therapy with conventional cancer care

“…This, in part, reflects that there have been few systematic studies addressing the integration of complementary therapy and conventional cancer services. For the most part, studies have been directed toward evaluating a specific complementary therapy, or targeting a specific symptom . In an observational study by Gage et al ., over 20 forms of complementary medicine services were provided in the same location as a conventional cancer center in the United Kingdom.…”

Corporate Culture Assessments in Integrative Oncology: A Qualitative Case Study of Two Integrative Oncology Centers

“…during the treatment [1–3] with the aim of reducing side effects and enhancing their emotional and spiritual care [4]. An increasing number of oncology clinics are aware of this trend and are adapting to the patients' needs by providing integrative medicine services [5–7].…”