A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment of Breast Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines Providing Complementary and Alternative Medicine Recommendations

Oncology researchers' and clinicians' perceptions of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine: an international, cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) has become an increasingly popular supportive therapy option for patients with cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate how researchers and clinicians in the oncology field perceive CAIM.

METHODS

We conducted an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey for researchers and clinicians who have published their work in oncology journals that are indexed in MEDLINE. The link to the survey was sent to 47, 991 researchers and clinicians whose contact information was extracted from their publications. The survey included various multiple-choice questions, and one open-ended question at the end to allow for any additional comments.

RESULTS

751 respondents completed the survey, and they mostly identified themselves as researchers (n = 329, 45.13%), or as both researchers and clinicians (n = 332, 45.45%) in the field of oncology. Over half of the respondents perceive mind-body therapies (n = 354, 54.97%) to be the most promising CAIM category with regards to the prevention, treatment, and/or management of diseases related to oncology, and many respondents agreed that most CAIM therapies are safe (n = 218, 37.39%), and that clinicians should receive training on CAIM therapies via formal (n = 225, 38.59%) and supplemental education (n = 290, 49.83%). However, many respondents were unsure when asked if most CAIM therapies are effective (n = 202, 34.77%).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study demonstrated great current interest in the use of CAIM in oncology. This information can serve as a foundation for conducting additional research and creating customized educational materials for researchers and clinicians in oncology.

CUIDADOS DE FAMILIARES ÀS PESSOAS COM FERIDAS NEOPLÁSICAS MALIGNAS EM DOMICÍLIO

Objetivos:Conhecer como os cuidadores de pessoas com feridas neoplásicas malignas realizam o cuidado em domicílio. Método: Estudo qualitativo que envolveu sete familiares de pessoas com feridas malignas em tratamento em uma unidade de alta complexidade em oncologia. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e submetidos à análise de conteúdo temático, proposto por Bardin. Resultados: Entrevistadas sete familiares-cuidadoras, todas do sexo feminino, jovens que abandonaram o trabalho para se dedicarem à pessoa enferma. Emergiram três categorias após análise do conteúdo: familiares buscam orientações para cuidar do paciente com feridas neoplásicas malignas em domicílio; adotam estratégias no cuidado das feridas; e referem necessidade de apoio dos profissionais e instituições de saúde, porque enfrentam dificuldades no atendimento, principalmente nas unidades de atenção primária. Conclusão: Os familiares de pessoas com feridas neoplásicas malignas enfrentam dificuldades, principalmente pela escassez de conhecimento técnico e por falta de apoio das instituições e dos profissionais de saúde.

CARE OF FAMILY MEMBERS OF PEOPLE WITH MALIGNANT NEOPLASTIC WOUNDS AT HOME

Objectives: To understand how caregivers of people with malignant neoplastic wounds perform care at home. Method: A qualitative study that involved seven relatives of people with malignant wounds undergoing treatment in a high complexity oncology unit. The data were produced through semistructured interviews and submitted to thematic content analysis, proposed by Bardin. Results: Seven family-caregivers, all female, young people who left work to dedicate themselves to the sick person were interviewed. Three categories emerged after content analysis: family members seek guidance to care for patients with malignant neoplastic wounds at home; they adopt strategies in wound care; and report the need for support from health professionals and institutions, because they face difficulties in care, especially in primary care units. Conclusion: Family members of people with malignant neoplastic wounds face difficulties, mainly due to the scarcity of technical knowledge and lack of support from health institutions and from professionals.