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Klafke N, Bossert J, Boltenhagen U, Froehlich D, Mahler C, Joos S, Wensing M. Counseling lifestyle medicine in oncology: A qualitative analysis of interprofessional patient-nurse-physician interactions. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 127:108352. [PMID: 38905751 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Counseling plays a key role in promoting health behaviors, providing evidence-based information, and supporting patients with cancer during and after treatment. This study aimed to evaluate an interprofessional counseling service on Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) for patients being treated at Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs) in Southern Germany. METHODS Patients participating in the CCC-Integrativ study received three CIH counseling sessions within three months in addition to their conventional cancer treatment. Medical and nursing staff participated in a study-specific blended learning training program before conducting the counseling. As part of the process evaluation, 30 audio-recorded counseling sessions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by conducting a content analysis using MAXQDA 2020. RESULTS Throughout the counseling, patients were conceded to address various health issues, which mainly revolved around symptom management interlaced with the areas of nutrition, exercise, and relaxation. The interprofessional teams conducted the counseling in a structured and patient-oriented manner. They worked together to motivate the patients to apply procedures from the CIH field independently, even if patients sometimes experienced difficulties in implementation. CONCLUSIONS Interprofessional collaboration improved healthcare quality, as patients received comprehensive and evidence-based advice on their supportive needs and lifestyle issues. Both professions could equally contribute their areas of knowledge and expertise and apply them to the benefit of the patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Providing an integrative counseling service and adequate training on interpersonal communication and CIH for healthcare professionals will improve patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Klafke
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jasmin Bossert
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ursula Boltenhagen
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Science, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Daniela Froehlich
- Institute for General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Mahler
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Science, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Joos
- Institute for General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Leonhardt J, Winkler M, Kollikowski A, Schiffmann L, Quenzer A, Einsele H, Löffler C. Mind-body-medicine in oncology-from patient needs to tailored programs and interventions: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1140693. [PMID: 37484070 PMCID: PMC10357839 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1140693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction National and international guidelines recommend early integration of evidence-based multimodal interventions and programs, especially with a focus on relaxation techniques and other Mind-Body-based methods to maintain the quality of life of oncology patients, improve treatment tolerability, and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors. Consequently, we aim to understand what drives patients and how they navigate integrative medicine to best advise them. This study aimed to detect possible topics of particular interest to patients and identify the patient groups that could benefit most from further programs. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate if patients are open-minded toward integrative oncology concepts and learn about their motivational level to maintain or change behavior. Methods Between August 2019 and October 2020 we surveyed patients undergoing oncological therapy in a university oncological outpatient center using a custom-developed questionnaire based on established Mind-Body Medicine concepts. Results We included 294 patients with various cancers. More than half reported problems sleeping through (61%) and 42% felt stressed frequently, invariably rating this as detrimental to their health. Moreover, a slight majority (52%) felt physically limited due to their disease and only 30% performed defined exercise programs. Women were significantly more likely to feel stressed and reported with alarming frequency that they often feel "everything was up to them." The 40-65-year-olds reported significantly less restful sleep, more stress and were more dissatisfied with their situation. However, this group already used natural remedies most frequently and was most often motivated to use relaxation techniques in the next 6 months. The lower the perceived individual energy level (EL), the less frequently patients did sport, the more frequently they felt their disease impaired their activity, mostly feeling stressed and tense. We also found significant associations between negative emotions/thoughts and the variables "sleep," "use of relaxation techniques," "personal stress perception," and "successful lifestyle modification." Conclusion Mind-Body programs that focus on patient's individual resources, with tools to explore impairing patterns of self-perception and cognitive biases, can be a valuable resource for oncology patients and should therefore be part of an integrative medical treatment concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Leonhardt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Marcela Winkler
- Department of Natural and Integrative Medicine, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anne Kollikowski
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Schiffmann
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Quenzer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Löffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Coping Strategies Used by Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Literature Review. Cancer Nurs 2019; 41:E23-E39. [PMID: 28723724 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual coping strategies are a fundamental element underpinning psychosocial distress. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe coping strategies and their measurement used by survivors of breast, prostate, and/or colorectal cancer after treatment. METHODS A search of electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) was conducted from January 1980 to March 2015. Data were extracted using standardized forms and included studies that explored the coping mechanisms of survivorship of breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer. RESULTS Two thousand one hundred forty-seven studies were retrieved for potential inclusion; 19 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. CONCLUSIONS Breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors seem to use different coping strategies that varied throughout the survivorship trajectory. Breast cancer survivors highlighted the importance of accepting their diagnosis and engaging in physical activities that provided social and emotional support. Personality seemed to have a significant effect on coping for prostate cancer survivors. Colorectal cancer survivors emphasized the importance of seeking information to master self-management and return to social activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Understanding coping strategies, during the survivorship trajectories, is essential to planning contemporary care after cancer treatment. Nurses and other healthcare professionals may use this knowledge to improve quality of life and decrease distress after diagnosis.
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Ghodraty Jabloo V, Alibhai SMH, Fitch M, Tourangeau AE, Ayala AP, Puts MTE. Antecedents and Outcomes of Uncertainty in Older Adults With Cancer: A Scoping Review of the Literature. Oncol Nurs Forum 2018. [PMID: 28632247 DOI: 10.1188/17.onf.e152-e167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Uncertainty is a major source of distress for cancer survivors. Because cancer is primarily a disease of older adults, a comprehensive understanding of the antecedents and outcomes of uncertainty in older adults with cancer is essential.
. LITERATURE SEARCH MEDLINE®, PsycINFO®, Scopus, and CINAHL® were searched from inception to December 2015. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and free text words were used for the search concepts, including neoplasms, uncertainty, and aging.
. DATA EVALUATION Extracted data included research aims; research design or analysis approach; sample size; mean age; type, stage, and duration of cancer; type and duration of treatment; uncertainty scale; and major results.
. SYNTHESIS Of 2,584 articles initially identified, 44 studies (30 qualitative, 12 quantitative, and 2 mixed-methods) were included. Evidence tables were developed to organize quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive numeric and thematic analyses were used to analyze quantitative results and qualitative findings, respectively. Outcomes were reported under four main categories. CONCLUSIONS Uncertainty is an enduring and common experience in cancer survivorship. Uncertainty is affected by a number of demographic and clinical factors and affects quality of life (QOL) and psychological well-being.
. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Uncertainty should be considered a contributing factor to psychological well-being and QOL in older adults with cancer. Nurses are in a unique position to assess negative effects of uncertainty and manage these consequences by providing patients with information and emotional support.
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Shams S, Jabbar A, Nanji K, Jan R, Tharani A. Influence of supportive care on chemotherapy patients' self-care behaviour and satisfaction: A pilot study conducted in Karachi, Pakistan. Indian J Cancer 2018; 55:115-121. [DOI: 10.4103/ijc.ijc_621_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Boxleitner G, Jolie S, Shaffer D, Pasacreta N, Bai M, McCorkle R. Comparison of Two Types of Meditation on Patients' Psychosocial Responses During Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer. J Altern Complement Med 2017; 23:355-361. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shelley Jolie
- Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, New Haven, CT
| | - Dana Shaffer
- Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Mei Bai
- Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, CT
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Hyde M, Newton R, Galvão D, Gardiner R, Occhipinti S, Lowe A, Wittert G, Chambers S. Men's help-seeking in the first year after diagnosis of localised prostate cancer. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2017; 26:e12497. [PMID: 27111695 PMCID: PMC5347946 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study describes sources of support utilised by men with localised prostate cancer in the first year after diagnosis and examines characteristics associated with help-seeking for men with unmet needs. A cross-sectional survey of 331 patients from a population-based sample who were in the first year after diagnosis (M = 9.6, SD = 1.9) was conducted to assess sources of support, unmet supportive care needs, domain-specific quality of life and psychological distress. Overall, 82% of men reported unmet supportive care needs. The top five needs were sexuality (58%); prostate cancer-specific (57%); psychological (47%); physical and daily living (41%); and health system and information (31%). Professional support was most often sought from doctors (51%). Across most domains, men who were older (Ps ≤ 0.03), less well educated (Ps ≤ 0.04) and more depressed (Ps ≤ 0.05) were less likely to seek help for unmet needs. Greater sexual help-seeking was related to better sexual function (P = 0.03), higher education (P ≤ 0.03) and less depression (P = 0.05). Unmet supportive care needs are highly prevalent after localised prostate cancer diagnosis with older age, lower education and higher depression apparent barriers to help-seeking. Interventions that link across medicine, nursing and community based peer support may be an accessible approach to meeting these needs. Clinical Trial Registry: Trial Registration: ACTRN12611000392965.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.K. Hyde
- Menzies Health Institute QueenslandGriffith UniversityGold CoastQld
- Cancer Council QueenslandFortitude ValleyQld
| | - R.U. Newton
- Exercise Medicine Research InstituteEdith Cowan UniversityPerthWA
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical ResearchUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQld
| | - D.A. Galvão
- Exercise Medicine Research InstituteEdith Cowan UniversityPerthWA
| | - R.A. Gardiner
- Exercise Medicine Research InstituteEdith Cowan UniversityPerthWA
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical ResearchUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQld
- Department of UrologyRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQld
| | - S. Occhipinti
- Menzies Health Institute QueenslandGriffith UniversityGold CoastQld
| | - A. Lowe
- Menzies Health Institute QueenslandGriffith UniversityGold CoastQld
- Prostate Cancer Foundation of AustraliaSt LeonardsNSW
| | - G.A. Wittert
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's HealthSchool of MedicineUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - S.K. Chambers
- Menzies Health Institute QueenslandGriffith UniversityGold CoastQld
- Cancer Council QueenslandFortitude ValleyQld
- Exercise Medicine Research InstituteEdith Cowan UniversityPerthWA
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical ResearchUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQld
- Prostate Cancer Foundation of AustraliaSt LeonardsNSW
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Personal prayer in patients dealing with chronic illness: a review of the research literature. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:927973. [PMID: 25815041 PMCID: PMC4357134 DOI: 10.1155/2015/927973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background. Prayer is commonly used among patients for health purposes. Therefore, this review focused on three main questions: (1) why do people turn to prayer in times of illness?, (2) what are the main topics of their prayers?, and (3) how do they pray? Method. We undertook a systematic review of the literature by searching the databases PubMed, Medline, and PsycINFO. The following inclusion criteria were used: (1) participants in the study were patients dealing with an illness, (2) the study examined the use of private rather than intercessory prayer, and (3) the content and purpose of prayer rather than its effects were investigated. Results. 16 articles were included in the final review. Participants suffered from a variety of chronic diseases, mostly cancer. Five main categories for the reasons and topics of prayer were found: (1) disease-centered prayer, (2) assurance-centered prayer, (3) God-centered prayer, (4) others-centered prayer, and (5) lamentations. Among these, disease-centered prayer was most common. Conclusions. Although most patients with chronic diseases do pray for relief from their physical and mental suffering, the intention of their prayers is not only for healing. Rather, prayer can be a resource that allows patients to positively transform the experience of their illness.
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Bonacchi A, Toccafondi A, Mambrini A, Cantore M, Muraca MG, Focardi F, Lippi D, Miccinesi G. Complementary needs behind complementary therapies in cancer patients. Psychooncology 2015; 24:1124-30. [PMID: 25690807 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although many studies indicate that the use of complementary and alternative medicine by cancer patients is common and widespread, few studies have focused on unmet needs of patients using complementary therapies (CTs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate, through a quantitative approach, possible associations between the use of CTs and the presence of specific unmet needs in cancer patients. METHODS In six Italian oncology departments, 783 patients were interviewed about CTs use and completed the Needs Evaluation Questionnaire. Patients included in the study had different primary tumor sites and were in different phases of the disease and care process. RESULTS At the time of the survey, 38.3% of patients were using one or more types of CTs. According to Needs Evaluation Questionnaire, the use of CTs was associated (p < .05) with the need to be more involved in therapeutic choices (40% vs. 31.7%), the need to have a better dialogue with clinicians (44.4% vs. 37.2%), and the need to have more economic-insurance information in relation to their illness (46.1% vs. 36.4%). Statistical significance was confirmed with multivariable analysis for the last two items, whereas three more needs were associated with the use of CTs after adjustment: to receive more explanation on treatments (46.8% vs. 41.0%), to receive more comprehensible information (38% vs. 31.9%), and to receive more attention from nurses (16% vs. 12.1%). CONCLUSIONS Our study shows interesting differences regarding perceived needs between cancer patients who use and who do not use CTs. Unmet needs that are more expressed in CTs users should be known and, when possible, could be taken into account to improve both psychosocial interventions in the context of conventional care process and the quality of the relationship between patient and medical and nursing staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bonacchi
- Clinical and Descriptive Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention-ISPO, Florence, Italy.,Centro Studi e Ricerca Synthesis, Florence, Italy
| | - A Toccafondi
- Centro Studi e Ricerca Synthesis, Florence, Italy
| | - A Mambrini
- Oncologia Medica AUSL 1, Massa Carrara, Italy
| | - M Cantore
- Oncologia Medica AUSL 1, Massa Carrara, Italy
| | - M G Muraca
- Centro Riabilitazione Oncologica, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention-ISPO, Florence, Italy
| | - F Focardi
- Oncologia Medica Aziendale AUSL 10, Florence, Italy
| | - D Lippi
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Miccinesi
- Clinical and Descriptive Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention-ISPO, Florence, Italy
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Klafke N, Mahler C, von Hagens C, Rochon J, Schneeweiss A, Müller A, Salize HJ, Joos S. A complex nursing intervention of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to increase quality of life in patients with breast and gynecologic cancer undergoing chemotherapy: study protocol for a partially randomized patient preference trial. Trials 2015; 16:51. [PMID: 25887713 PMCID: PMC4337273 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-014-0538-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is most adversely affected in cancer patients between diagnosis and the end of chemotherapy. The aim of the Complementary Nursing in Gynecologic Oncology (CONGO) study is to assess the effectiveness of a complex nursing care intervention of CAM to increase HRQoL in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS/DESIGN CONGO is a prospective partially randomized patient preference (PRPP) trial including adult women diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancer starting a new chemotherapy regimen. Patients without strong preferences for CAM will be randomized to usual nursing care or complex nursing care; those patients with strong preferences will be allowed their choice. The intervention consists of three interacting and intertwined elements: CAM nursing intervention packet, counseling on CAM using a resource-oriented approach and evidence-based informational material on CAM. Primary outcome data on participants' HRQoL will be collected from baseline until the end of treatment and long-term follow-up using the EORTC-QLQ-C30. Secondary outcomes include nausea, fatigue, pain, anxiety/depression, social support, self-efficacy, patient competence, spiritual wellbeing, and satisfaction with care. Accompanying research on economic outcomes as well as a mixed-methods process evaluation will be conducted. A total of 590 patients (236 patients in the randomized part of the study and 354 patients in the observational part of the study) will be recruited in the two outpatient clinics. The first analysis step will be the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis of the randomized part of the trial. A linear mixed model will be used to compare the continuous primary endpoint between the intervention and control arm of the randomized group. The observational part of the trial will be analyzed descriptively. External validity will be assessed by comparing randomized with nonrandomized patients. DISCUSSION Cancer patients are increasingly using CAM as supportive cancer care, however, a patient-centered model of care that includes CAM for the patient during chemotherapy still needs to be evaluated. This protocol has been designed to test if the effects of the intervention go beyond potential benefits in quality-of-life outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00006056 (15 April 2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Klafke
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Voßstr. 2, D-69115, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Cornelia Mahler
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Voßstr. 2, D-69115, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Cornelia von Hagens
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Justine Rochon
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Schneeweiss
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Müller
- Community Hospital Karlsruhe, Moltkestraße 90, D-76133, Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | - Hans-Joachim Salize
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Mental Health Services Research Group, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, D-68159, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Joos
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Voßstr. 2, D-69115, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Institute of General Practice, University Hospital Tuebingen, Oesterbergstr. 9, D-72074, Tuebingen, Germany.
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Gschwendtner KM, Klein G, Güthlin C, Holmberg C, Horneber M, Weis J. [Importance of complementary medicine approaches for patients with prostate cancer]. Urologe A 2014; 53:1600-9. [PMID: 25297489 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-014-3613-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Germany, many prostate cancer patients use complementary medicine (CM) or have an interest in these treatment approaches; however, the information and consultation situation of cancer patients is insufficient and therefore the Competence Network Complementary Medicine in Oncology (COCON) was launched by the German Cancer Aid Society. One of the projects of the COCON examines the use of CM and the information and counseling needs regarding these topics in various groups of cancer patients. The focus of this article is on the qualitative study reporting selected results for the subgroup of prostate cancer patients. STUDY DESIGN AND STUDY METHODS A total of 19 semi-structured qualitative interviews with prostate cancer patients were conducted regarding the use of CM as well as their information and consultation needs. RESULTS It was found that the patients interviewed discussed various issues surrounding nutrition, particularly a healthy diet, the selective use of certain foods and the use of dietary supplements. Additional themes mentioned by interviewees were physical exercise, psychological well-being, mistletoe therapy, homeopathy and traditional Chinese medicine. Patients indicated that they wanted more information and counseling opportunities with regards to CM. They also expressed a desire for more holistic care. CONCLUSION The results show that prostate cancer patients use a range of CM and have a need for information about CM. Prostate cancer patients are in a special situation because of a regular feedback on the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value. This should be taken into consideration in consultation with prostate cancer patients regarding CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Gschwendtner
- Institut für Reha-Forschung und Psychoonkologie, Klinik für Tumorbiologie, Breisacher Straße 117, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland,
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