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Ben-Arye E, Samuels N, Seifert G, Gressel O, Peleg R, Jong M. Integrative Medicine Across the Pediatric Cancer Care Trajectory: A Narrative Review. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:714-734. [PMID: 38733465 PMCID: PMC11169001 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01538-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Children and adolescents with cancer, along with their parents and other informal caregivers, often report using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during active oncology and hemato-oncology treatment. Some adopt an "alternative" approach to conventional medical care, which often entails the use of these practices without the knowledge of the treating pediatrician. In contrast, many others search for consultation provided by a pediatric integrative oncology (IO) practitioner working with the conventional medical team. IO seeks to provide evidence-based complementary medicine therapies, many of which have been shown to augment conventional supportive and palliative care, while ensuring the patient's safety. The present narrative review examines the current state of and future direction for the IO setting of care. RECENT FINDINGS A large body of published clinical research supports the effectiveness of leading Pediatric IO modalities, while addressing potential safety-related concerns. Despite the growing amount of clinical research supporting the beneficial effects and implementation of Pediatric IO models of care, there is still a need for further studies in order to establish clinical guidelines in the treatment of children and adolescents with cancer. Such IO-directed guidelines will need to address both the effectiveness and the safety of the CAM modalities being used in pediatric oncology and hemato-oncology settings, promoting a better understanding among pediatric healthcare professionals and helping them understand the indications for referral to the IO treatment service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Ben-Arye
- Integrative Oncology Program, The Oncology Service, Zebulun Medical Centers, Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District, Carmel &, Lin, Israel.
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Noah Samuels
- Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Georg Seifert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Orit Gressel
- Integrative Oncology Program, The Oncology Service, Zebulun Medical Centers, Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District, Carmel &, Lin, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Raviv Peleg
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Integrative Pediatric Medicine Program, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Miek Jong
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), UiT, Tromsø, Norway
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Youn B, Cha J, Cho S, Jeong S, Kim H, Ko S. Perception, attitudes, knowledge of using complementary and alternative medicine for cancer patients among healthcare professionals: A mixed-methods systematic review. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19149-19162. [PMID: 37676102 PMCID: PMC10557909 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the rapid increase in the prevalence of cancer worldwide, the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased among cancer patients. This review aimed to understand the perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals toward using CAM for cancer patients. METHODS A mixed-methods systematic review was undertaken in four databases. Inclusion criteria were primary studies reporting perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals for using CAM for cancer patients were eligible. A mixed-methods convergent synthesis was carried out, and the findings were subjected to a GRADE-CERQual assessment of confidence. RESULTS Forty-two studies were chosen. The majority of the studies were quantitative and had less than 100 participants. Most publications were from European countries, and oncology was the highest among the specialties. The review found the following themes: feasibility of having negative adverse effects, low expectations of using CAM among HCPs, potential positive effects of using CAM, specific CAM training may be helpful, no concrete regulations to promote CAM practice, and poor physician-patient communication. CONCLUSIONS Nurses had more positive views than other professions; oncologists were concerned regarding herb-drug interactions; integration of CAM into the healthcare system was favorable; HCPs felt the need to participate in specific CAM training; and HCPs agreed that CAM education should be provided more regularly. Future studies should explore the studies views of cancer patients and details of in-depth evidence of CAM in oncology settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo‐Young Youn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean MedicineKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Jie‐Won Cha
- Department of Applied Korean Medicine, Graduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Sungsu Cho
- Department of Korean Medicine, Graduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - So‐Mi Jeong
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Hyo‐Jung Kim
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Seong‐Gyu Ko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean MedicineKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
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Severance TS, Njuguna F, Olbara G, Kugo M, Langat S, Mostert S, Klootwijk L, Skiles J, Coven SL, Overholt KM, Kaspers G, Vik TA. An evaluation of the disparities affecting the underdiagnosis of pediatric cancer in Western Kenya. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29768. [PMID: 35593641 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Western Kenya is home to approximately 24 million people, with 10 million children under the age of 15 years.1 Based on estimates of cancer incidence in similar populations from around the world, approximately 1500 patients should be diagnosed with pediatric cancer each year. This article describes the international collaboration that investigates potential barriers preventing the effective diagnosis of pediatric patients with cancer. METHODS Here, we describe a multidisciplinary and sequential approach to better evaluate the complex factors affecting the lack of appropriate diagnosis of pediatric cancer in Western Kenya. RESULTS Internal review at a large tertiary hospital noted 200-250 patients were diagnosed annually, suggesting the remaining 75%-80% of patients go undiagnosed and do not receive treatment. Following our screening process at a local referring hospital, 41 malaria slides demonstrated both morphologic and genetic evidence of leukemia. Knowledge assessments of local providers at referring institutions suggested a lack of education and training as the factors that contribute to lower rates of diagnosis. DISCUSSION Through a multi-step approach, our teams were better able to isolate potential issues impeding the appropriate and timely diagnosis of pediatric cancer in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S Severance
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.,Riley Hospital Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | - Maureen Kugo
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Saskia Mostert
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Larissa Klootwijk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jodi Skiles
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.,Riley Hospital Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Scott L Coven
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.,Riley Hospital Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kathleen M Overholt
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.,Riley Hospital Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Gertjan Kaspers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Terry A Vik
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.,Riley Hospital Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
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Afungchwi GM, Kruger M, Hesseling P, van Elsland S, Ladas EJ, Marjerrison S. Survey of the use of traditional and complementary medicine among children with cancer at three hospitals in Cameroon. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29675. [PMID: 35441798 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is lack of diagnostic and treatment resources with variable access to childhood cancer treatment in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), which may lead to subsequent poor survival. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) used in Cameroon. Secondarily, we explored determinants of T&CM use, associated costs, perceived benefits and harm, and disclosure of T&CM use to medical team. METHODS A prospective, cross-sectional survey among parents and carers of children younger than 15 years of age who had a cancer diagnosis and received cancer treatment at three Baptist Mission hospitals between November 2017 and February 2019. RESULTS Eighty participants completed the survey. Median patient age was 8.1 years (IQR4.1-11.1). There was significant availability (90%) and use (67.5%) of T&CM, whereas 24% thought T&CM would be good for cancer treatment. Common T&CM remedies included herbs and other plant remedies or teas taken by mouth, prayer for healing purposes and skin cutting. Living more than five hours away from the treatment center (P = 0.030), anticipated costs (0.028), and a habit of consulting a traditional healer when sick (P = 0.006) were associated with the use of T&CM. T&CM was mostly paid for in cash (53.7%) or provided free of charge (29.6%). Of importance was the fact that nearly half (44%) did not want to disclose the use of TM to their doctor. CONCLUSION Pediatric oncology patients used T&CM before and during treatment but were unlikely to disclose its use to the child's health care team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn M Afungchwi
- Childhood Cancer Program, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mariana Kruger
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Hesseling
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sabine van Elsland
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Elena J Ladas
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Stacey Marjerrison
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Departments of Pediatric and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Handayani K, Susilawati D, Sutaryo, Mulatsih S, Kaspers GJL, Mostert S, Sitaresmi M. Health-care providers’ perception and communication about traditional and complementary medicine in childhood cancer in Indonesia. PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phoj.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Sarman A, Uzuntarla Y. Attitudes of healthcare workers towards complementary and alternative medicine practices: A cross-sectional study in Turkey. Eur J Integr Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2021.102096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Olbara G, van der Wijk T, Njuguna F, Langat S, Mwangi H, Skiles J, Vik TA, Kaspers GJL, Mostert S. Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment in an academic hospital in Kenya: Treatment outcomes and health-care providers' perspectives. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29366. [PMID: 34569156 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early deaths and treatment nonadherence are major reasons for low childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survival in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed treatment outcomes of children presenting with ALL and evaluated perspectives of health-care providers (HCP) on ALL treatment at a Kenyan academic hospital. METHODS This was a combined retrospective medical records and cross-sectional questionnaire study. Treatment outcomes of 136 children diagnosed with ALL between 2010 and 2016 were collected. Questionnaires were completed by 245 HCP (response rate, 86%) between September and October 2016. RESULTS Childhood ALL treatment outcomes were death (30%), progressive or relapsed disease (26%), abandonment (24%), and event-free survival (20%). Of all deaths, 80% were early deaths (prior or during induction), whereas 20% occurred in remission. Probability of event-free survival at three years was 18%. Only 57% of HCP believed childhood ALL can be cured, with more doctors (96%) than other HCP (45%) believing in curability of ALL (P < 0.001). The majority of HCP (96%) thought that experienced doctors should put more time and effort into making parents understand the diagnosis and necessity to complete treatment. According to HCP, reasons for protocol nonadherence included parental financial difficulties (94%) and use of alternative treatment (79%). CONCLUSIONS Event-free survival for ALL in Kenya is low. The primary reason for treatment failure is early death from treatment-related complications. More efforts should be directed toward improving supportive care strategies. In the opinion of HCPs, improved communication with parents and supervision of junior staff will improve ALL treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Olbara
- Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Thyra van der Wijk
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrjie Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Festus Njuguna
- Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi University, School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Sandra Langat
- Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Henry Mwangi
- Department of Health Information Management, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Jodi Skiles
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hemato-Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Terrry A Vik
- Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi University, School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hemato-Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrjie Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Mostert
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrjie Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Çaksen H. Religious Coping in Parents of Children With Cancer. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2021; 43:241-242. [PMID: 33625097 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Çaksen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Behavioral-Developmental Pediatrics Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram Medical Faculty, Meram, Konya, Turkey
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Afungchwi GM, Kruger M, Kouya F, Tih P, McCormick P, Pondy-Ongotsoyi AH, Hesseling PB. Two decades of childhood cancer care in Cameroon: 2000-2020. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28997. [PMID: 33719184 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Before the year 2000, there was no dedicated childhood cancer service in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to investigate the progress made with pediatric oncology care in Cameroon from 2000 to 2020. METHOD A literature search was conducted for published articles on childhood cancer in Cameroon and relevant documents, and conference abstracts were reviewed. The articles were analyzed under the themes: awareness, diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, outcome, advocacy, partnerships, traditional and complementary medicine, palliative care, and capacity building. RESULTS Low awareness on childhood cancer was addressed with education activities targeting the general population and health care professionals. Cancer diagnosis was achieved with cytology, histology, and simple imaging. Management for common and curable cancers was implemented with use of modified treatment regimens for low- and middle-income settings. Nutritional support was shown to mitigate the effects of malnutrition on treatment toxicity, and support was provided for transportation and accommodation. There was good collaboration between the pediatric oncology professionals nationally and twinning with international partners. Capacity building activities led to the availability of three pediatric oncologists and pediatric oncology-trained nurses. Advocacy nationally led to the support of the Ministry of Health with pediatric oncology-specific priority actions in the latest national cancer control plan. CONCLUSION Childhood cancer should receive the necessary attention of health care policymakers in Cameroon. With continued commitment of government, nongovernmental organizations, charities, childhood cancer specialists, patient and parent groups, there should be an improved future for children with cancer in Cameroon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Mbah Afungchwi
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mariana Kruger
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Francine Kouya
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Pius Tih
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | | | - Angele-Hermine Pondy-Ongotsoyi
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Mother and Child Center, Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Peter B Hesseling
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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Dalmolin IS, Heidemann ITSB. Integrative and complementary practices in Primary Care: unveiling health promotion. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2020; 28:e3277. [PMID: 32520237 PMCID: PMC7282717 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.3162.3277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to understand the use of integrative and complementary practices as a health promotion action. METHOD qualitative study, action-participant type, with the application of Paulo Freire's Research Itinerary, in which 30 Primary Health Care professionals participated. Thematic research was developed with two Primary Care Units, one that used integrative and complementary practices in daily life and another that focused more on allopathic concepts of assistance. To carry out the three stages of the method used, seven Culture Yarning Circles took place. The critical unveiling took place concurrently with the participation of those surveyed. RESULTS integrative and complementary practices constitute a form of health care, with the purpose of understanding the human being in the health-disease process, making it possible to work with the different aspects that involve them. In this way, they reduce damages resulting from the excessive use of medications, stimulate comprehensiveness and promote health. CONCLUSION integrative and complementary practices are resources for health promotion, through comprehensive care and reducing the use of medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indiara Sartori Dalmolin
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.,Scholarship holder at the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil
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James PB, Wardle J, Steel A, Adams J, Bah AJ, Sevalie S. Traditional and complementary medicine use among Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone: a qualitative exploratory study of the perspectives of healthcare workers providing care to Ebola survivors. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:137. [PMID: 32375765 PMCID: PMC7201764 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-02931-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considerable number of patients, including Ebola survivors, in Sierra Leone, are using traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM). Healthcare providers' (HCPs) views about T&CM is crucial in addressing the increased need for T&CM among patients. However, healthcare providers' views about T&CM in Sierra Leone is unknown. Our study explores healthcare providers' knowledge of and perception towards T&CM and how that influence their personal and professional T&CM use, communication with Ebola survivors about T&CM as well as its integration into the healthcare system in Sierra Leone. METHODS We employed a qualitative exploratory study design using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 15 conveniently sampled HCPs in all four geographical regions of Sierra Leone. We analysed our data using thematic network analysis framework. RESULTS Healthcare providers perceived their knowledge about T&CM to be low and considered T&CM to be less effective and less safe than conventional medicine as well as not evidence-based. HCPs perception of T&CM as non-scientific and their lack of knowledge of T&CM were the key barriers to HCPs' self-use and recommendation as well as their lack of detailed discussion about T&CM with Ebola survivors. HCPs are open to T&CM integration into mainstream healthcare in Sierra Leone although at their terms. However, they believe that T&CM integration could be enhanced by effective professional regulation of T&CM practice, and by improving T&CM evidenced-based knowledge through education, training and research. CONCLUSION Changing HCPs' negative perception of and increasing their knowledge about T&CM is critical to promoting effective communication with Ebola survivors regarding T&CM and its integration into the healthcare system in Sierra Leone. Strategies such as educational interventions for HCPs, conducting rigorous T&CM research, proper education and training of T&CM practitioners and effective professional regulation of T&CM practice could help in that direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bai James
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Connaught Teaching Hospital Freetown, First floor Administrative Building, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Jon Wardle
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480 Australia
| | - Amie Steel
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Abdulai Jawo Bah
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University Edinburg, Musselburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Stephen Sevalie
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Joint Medical Unit, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, 34 Military Hospital Wilberforce Freetown, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Sustainable Health Systems, Freetown, Sierra Leone
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Communication about Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) in childhood cancer: A comparison between Dutch and Indonesian health-care providers at academic hospitals. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Stub T, Kristoffersen AE, Overvåg G, Jong MC. An integrative review on the information and communication needs of parents of children with cancer regarding the use of complementary and alternative medicine. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:90. [PMID: 32183808 PMCID: PMC7079450 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-02882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parents often choose Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) as a supportive agent with the aim to reduce cancer treatment-related symptoms in their children. Therefore, it is necessary to understand parents´ information and communication needs regarding CAM. The aim of the present study was to review the research literature as to identify the information and communication needs of parents of children with cancer, and the children themselves, regarding the use of CAM. Methods An integrative systematic review design was chosen. Searches were performed in AMED, CAMbase, CINAHL (Ebsco), EMBASE, PubMed and PsycInfo, Theme eJournals and Karger. The search was limited to studies published in English, German, Dutch, and the Scandinavian languages. Using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently screened the title and abstracts of the relevant papers. A data extraction form and critical appraisal checklists were used to extract data for analysis, and a mixed methods synthesis was applied. Results Out of 24 studies included, 67% were of quantitative and 33% of qualitative study design. Five main themes emerged from the analysis of 21 studies: Information on CAM, sources of CAM information, communication about CAM, informed decision-making on CAM, and Risk/benefit of CAM. The majority of the parents did not disclose the CAM use of their children because they feared negative reactions from the attending oncologist. To make informed treatment decisions for their children, parents wanted unbiased information about CAM and would act accordingly. They demand open communication about these modalities and respect for the family’s autonomy when choosing CAM for their children. Conclusion There is an urgent need for parents of children with cancer for high quality information on CAM from reliable and scientific sources. Development of authoritative evidence-based decision tools is thus warranted to enable health care professionals and parents of children with cancer to make well informed, individual decisions concerning CAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Stub
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 19, 9019, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Agnete E Kristoffersen
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 19, 9019, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Grete Overvåg
- Science and Health Library, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 19, 9019, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Miek C Jong
- National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 19, 9019, Tromsø, Norway
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