P03.04
Purpose: In previous surveys, approximately 45% of cancer patients have reported the use of various Complementary Therapies (CTs). The high prevalence of use creates a need for a closer examination of patient and health care practitioner (HCP) CT use, knowledge, communication, opinions, and beliefs. We sought to compare statistics from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC) in Alberta, Canada, with other published surveys worldwide.
Methods: 481 cancer patients and 100 HCPs were surveyed at the TBCC. Patients were surveyed on their use of CTs, their motivations and barriers to use, patient-practitioner interactions, and their interest in CT resources. HCPs were asked about patient-practitioner interactions, their CAM knowledge and skills, their CAM opinions and beliefs, and their CAM training.
Results: 47% (n=227) of patients had used CTs since their diagnosis. Patients' top reason for CT use was to improve quality of life (65%). The largest barrier to use was uncertainty of the evidence supporting CTs (35.9%). 80% of patients had not had a HCP speak to them about CTs and few felt they had received enough CT information (16%) or support (14%). 73% of patients indicated they would utilize a CT education program. 71% of HCPs had patients report their CAM use. 62.5% reported asking patients about using CAM. Few practitioners reported being knowledgeable about CAM (18%) or prepared to address CAM (13%). HCPs endorsed positive views of CAM, with 66% believing CAM can benefit conventional medicine. Though only 31% of practitioners had received any CAM training, 90% reported interest in receiving CAM education.
Conclusion: CT use is similar at our centre to other surveys worldwide. There is a strong need for patient and practitioner educational resources, enhanced communication about CTs, support for decision making and greater integration of CTs into conventional medicine.
Contact: Linda Carlson, Lcarlso@ucalgary.ca
