Impact of the Integrative Oncology Scholars Program on Oncology Providers' Key Knowledge of Dietary Supplements and Antioxidants for Providing Evidence-based Oncology Care

Dietary supplements are commonly used among cancer survivors. Oncology providers rarely receive training about dietary supplements. We evaluated whether e-learning modules could improve oncology providers' dietary supplement knowledge. Oncology providers participated in the National Cancer Institute funded Integrative Oncology Scholars (IOS) program. We used posttest readiness assurance tests (RAT) to measure knowledge acquisition from modules. One cohort completed a pre and posttest RAT to assess change in knowledge. Multivariate linear regression models adjusted for gender, race, profession, and years in practice were used to determine if these characteristics were associated with posttest RAT performance and change in pre to posttest RAT scores. Scholars (N = 101) included 86% (N = 87) females; age 44 ± 10 years; 72% (N = 73) Non-Hispanic White; years in practice mean range 11-15 ± 10. There were 37 physicians, 11 physician assistants, 23 nurses, 21 social workers, 2 psychologists, 4 pharmacists, and 2 physical therapists. The posttest dietary supplement and antioxidant RAT scores for all Scholars were 67 ± 18% and 71 ± 14%. In adjusted models there were no significant associations between dietary supplement and antioxidant posttest RAT scores with Scholar characteristics. Change in RAT scores for dietary supplement and antioxidants were 25% ± 23 and 26% ± 27 (P < 0.0001). In adjusted models, there were no significant predictors of change in dietary supplement RATs. For antioxidant RATs, profession was associated with change in scores (P = 0.021). Improvement in Scholar's test scores demonstrate the IOS program can significantly increase oncology providers' knowledge of dietary supplements and antioxidants.

Education Competencies for Integrative Oncology-Results of a Systematic Review and an International and Interprofessional Consensus Procedure

Integrative oncology is a burgeoning field and typically provided by a multiprofessional team. To ensure cancer patients receive effective, appropriate, and safe care, health professionals providing integrative cancer care should have a certain set of competencies. The aim of this project was to define core competencies for different health professions involved in integrative oncology. The project consisted of two phases. A systematic literature review on published competencies was performed, and the results informed an international and interprofessional consensus procedure. The second phase consisted of three rounds of consensus procedure and included 28 experts representing 7 different professions (medical doctors, psychologists, nurses, naturopathic doctors, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, yoga practitioners, patient navigators) as well as patient advocates, public health experts, and members of the Society for Integrative Oncology. A total of 40 integrative medicine competencies were identified in the literature review. These were further complemented by 18 core oncology competencies. The final round of the consensus procedure yielded 37 core competencies in the following categories: knowledge (n = 11), skills (n = 17), and abilities (n = 9). There was an agreement that these competencies are relevant for all participating professions. The integrative oncology core competencies combine both fundamental oncology knowledge and integrative medicine competencies that are necessary to provide effective and safe integrative oncology care for cancer patients. They can be used as a starting point for developing profession-specific learning objectives and to establish integrative oncology education and training programs to meet the needs of cancer patients and health professionals.

Integrative Oncology Scholars Program: A Model for Integrative Oncology Education

OBJECTIVES

Oncology providers are often confronted by patients who use complementary or alternative therapies, but have limited knowledge or confidence on how to advise patients on appropriate use. Despite this, there are few opportunities for oncology providers to learn about complementary or alternative therapies, while at the same time there is a high demand for integrative oncology (IO) training. To address a gap in IO educational opportunities, and particularly for nonphysicians, we created the Integrative Oncology Scholars (IOS) Program. The program's goal is to train 100 IO leaders and facilitate partnerships between them and complementary practitioners.

DESIGN

Four iterations of a year-long National Cancer Institute-funded educational program that combines in-person team-based learning and eLearning to teach the evidence, application, and philosophy supporting IO.

SETTINGS

In-person sessions take place at the University of Michigan, and eLearning is implemented using a Canvas website (Instructure, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT).

SUBJECTS

Nurses, social workers, physician assistants, psychologists, physicians, pharmacists, and physical/occupational therapists with active oncology practices. Educational intervention: Four cohorts of 25 oncology providers per year will learn the evidence base for complementary and alternative approaches to a wide number of oncology topics, including symptom control, dietary supplements commonly used by cancer patients, diet, and the utility of specific integrative approaches for common oncology side-effects such as fatigue.

OUTCOME MEASURES

A mixed methods approach will be used to evaluate overall IOS Program progress and individual scholar's impact on IO research, education, and clinical endeavors.

RESULTS

The first cohort of 25 IOS has been recruited and their education will begin in Summer 2018. Scholars come from 13 states and represent 23 different healthcare systems.

CONCLUSIONS

The IOS Program has the potential to increase the number of trained IO providers, educators, and researchers in the United States.

Integrative Therapies During and After Breast Cancer Treatment: ASCO Endorsement of the SIO Clinical Practice Guideline

Purpose

The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) produced an evidence-based guideline on use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment that was determined to be relevant to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) membership. ASCO considered the guideline for endorsement.

Methods

The SIO guideline addressed the use of integrative therapies for the management of symptoms and adverse effects, such as anxiety and stress, mood disorders, fatigue, quality of life, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, lymphedema, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbance. Interventions of interest included mind and body practices, natural products, and lifestyle modifications. SIO systematic reviews focused on randomized controlled trials that were published from 1990 through 2015. The SIO guideline was reviewed by ASCO content experts for clinical accuracy and by ASCO methodologists for developmental rigor. On favorable review, an ASCO Expert Panel was convened to review the guideline contents and recommendations.

Results

The ASCO Expert Panel determined that the recommendations in the SIO guideline—published in 2017—are clear, thorough, and based on the most relevant scientific evidence. ASCO endorsed the guideline with a few added discussion points.

Recommendations

Key recommendations include the following: Music therapy, meditation, stress management, and yoga are recommended for anxiety/stress reduction. Meditation, relaxation, yoga, massage, and music therapy are recommended for depression/mood disorders. Meditation and yoga are recommended to improve quality of life. Acupressure and acupuncture are recommended for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Acetyl-l-carnitine is not recommended to prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy because of a possibility of harm. No strong evidence supports the use of ingested dietary supplements to manage breast cancer treatment–related adverse effects. Additional information is available at: www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .

Understanding CAM Natural Health Products: Implications of Use Among Cancer Patients and Survivors

Herbs, vitamins, and other natural health products are being used by cancer patients and survivors with increasing prevalence in the United States. These complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products, which are also referred to as natural health products in Canada and abroad, are used during cancer treatment and the survivorship period to ease the burden of symptoms such as pain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and depression and hence improve overall quality of life. Data indicate that while patients choose these products for self-treatment, they often do not inform their health-care providers, thereby presenting the potential for negative interactions. This article gives an overview of CAM natural health products, including discussion of herbs, vitamins, and other supplements such as minerals, enzymes, and more. Related research is presented, and implications for advanced practitioners are discussed. Insights into guiding safe and effective use among patients as well as appropriate decision-making strategies are explored.

Using a standardized Viniyoga protocol for lung cancer survivors: a pilot study examining effects on breathing ease

Although lung cancer is perceived as a dire diagnosis, increases in the 5-year survival rate of individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been reported. Survivors, however, continue to be excessively burdened with symptoms such as respiratory distress which interfere with functioning and quality of life. While exercise and physical activity are strongly recommended, NSCLC survivors may be reluctant to participate due to actual or anticipated shortness of breath exacerbated with movement.This quasi-experimental, intervention-only pilot study aimed to determine the effects of an 8-week standardized yoga protocol for Stage I-IIIa NSCLC survivors (n=9). The protocol was developed within the Viniyoga (Hatha) tradition with respiratory experts. Breathing ease, dyspnea, oxygen saturation, and respiratory function were explored in relationship to yoga practice (45-minute sessions once per week and home practice) using repeated-measures analysis. Number of participants reporting dyspnea ranged from 25 to 50% prior to practice with no significant increase during sessions, and moderate decreases noted at times. Oxygen saturation remained high and vital signs stable; forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) values increased significantly over the 14-week study period (p<0.0001). Yoga, with an emphasis on postures coordinated with breathing and meditation practices, offers a potentially feasible and beneficial option that requires further study in this population.

Self-treatment of pain among adolescents in an urban community

Pain occurrence among adolescents, whether acute or chronic, persistent or intermittent, remains high, with potentially serious effects on quality of life, physical and emotional functioning, and psychosocial adjustment. The prevalence of pain in adolescents varies widely, and although discussed in the literature for more than two decades, data on adolescent knowledge and pain self-treatment is scarce. This descriptive-correlational study identified pain prevalence and intensity and pain self-treatment choices among adolescents in a diverse urban community. Almost 90% (n = 253) of high school students reported pain in the preceding 2 weeks and completed a series of study questionnaires (demographic data form, Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, Adolescent Self-Treatment Survey). Respondents ranged in age from 14 to 19 years (mean 16) and were predominantly female (70%) and caucasian (75%). The sample was representative of all high school grades, and the majority (86%) reported participation in sports, dance, and physical activities. Mean pain scores ranged from 3.0 (current pain) to 6.5 (worst pain), with significantly higher scores among girls. A gender-related effect was also noted for pain interference in activities, mood, and sleep among the adolescent girls compared with the boys. Gender also predicted use of self-treatment methods, with girls more likely to use over-the-counter medications and nonpharmacologic therapies. Number of pain sites was also a strong predictor of use of self-treatment methods among adolescents. Knowledge of the pain experience during adolescence will help guide community-based nursing initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, promoting knowledge about pain and its treatment, and ensuring safety and positive outcomes related to self-treatment.

Predictors of Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies Among Patients With Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To determine predictors of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies among patients with cancer.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of two federally funded panel studies.

SETTING

Urban and rural communities in the midwestern United States.

SAMPLE

Patients with lung, breast, colon, or prostate cancer (N = 968) were interviewed at two points in time. 97% received conventional cancer treatment, and 30% used CAM. The sample was divided evenly between men and women, who ranged in age from 28-98; the majority was older than 60.

METHODS

Data from a patient self-administered questionnaire were used to determine CAM users. Responses indicated use of herbs and vitamins, spiritual healing, relaxation, massage, acupuncture, energy healing, hypnosis, therapeutic spas, lifestyle diets, audio or videotapes, medication wraps, and osteopathic, homeopathic, and chiropractic treatment.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Dependent variable for analysis was use or nonuse of any of the identified CAM therapies at time of interviews. Independent variables fell into the following categories: (a) predisposing (e.g., gender, age, race, education, marital status), (b) enabling (e.g., income, health insurance status, caregiver presence, geographic location), and (c) need (e.g., cancer stage, site, symptoms, treatment, perceived health need).

FINDINGS

Significant predictors of CAM use were gender, marital status, cancer stage, cancer treatment, and number of severe symptoms experienced.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cancer are using CAM while undergoing conventional cancer treatment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Nurses need to assess for CAM use, advocate for protocols and guidelines for routine assessment, increase knowledge of CAM, and examine coordination of services between conventional medicine and CAM to maximize positive patient outcomes.

Canadian and American self-treatment of pain: a comparison study

INTRODUCTION

Adults frequently rely on self-treatment modalities to relieve pain that exceeds everyday kinds of pain, such as minor headaches and toothaches. Examples of self-treatment modalities include doctor-prescribed analgesics, non-prescribed over-the counter medications, herbal substances and treatments, and non-drug treatments such as heat, cold and exercise. Self-treatment is often associated with adverse affects related to the improper use of self-treatment substances and the adverse interactions they may produce when combined with other prescribed or non-prescription treatments for pain control. Many adults also use a variety of self-treatment modalities without informing their health care providers.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the occurrence of pain and identify pain self-treatment modalities used by members (n = 105) of rural communities from two eastern Canadian provinces. Results of this study were compared with a rural American cohort study in order to explore similarities/differences in patterns of self-treatment of pain between the two countries.

METHODS

This descriptive-exploratory study was conducted using a survey method. The design followed that used in a US study by Vallerand, Fouladbakhsh and Templin. Investigators used self-report questionnaires to identify pain self-treatment modalities, pain intensity ratings, pain interference, and the percentage of pain relief in a convenience sample of 105 participants recruited from two Canadian rural communities. Differences in mean scores between Canadian and US data were determined through t-tests. Difference between Canadian and US pain self-treatment modalities were determined using chi2 tests for significance.

RESULTS

Canadians reported choosing significantly more non-pharmacological self-treatment modalities of pain control such as heat, cold, exercise/stretching, and massage than did their US counterparts (chi2 = 7.6, p = .006). US participants reported significantly higher percentages of pharmacologic modalities than Canadian participants, ie prescription medications (chi2 = 4.8, p = .03), and over-the counter medications (chi2 = 8.14, p = .004). There was no significant difference between the two countries in the number of herbal supplements taken for pain relief (chi2 = 2.47, p = .12). Canadian participants reported having significantly less pain relief from their current self-treatment regimen than US participants, (t = 13.77, p = .00). In addition, 33% of Canadian participants and 20% of US participants had not informed their primary care practitioner of their self-treatment choices.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that pain is a common experience for many North American individuals living in rural communities. Comparison of results between Canadian and US cohort studies indicate that rural Canadians may benefit from increasing their knowledge about self-treatment options of pain control. Findings showed that rural Canadians choose more non-pharmacologic self-treatment modalities and have less pain relief than rural US participants by their self-treatment choices. In addition, a significant number of Canadian and US participants had not informed their primary care provider of their self-treatment practices. Community healthcare agencies may need to improve the dissemination of information on how to combine both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities into self-treatment regimens in order to facilitate more effective pain control for some rural communities. Further study is indicated to examine how the differences found in self-treatment practices between Canadian and US cohort studies relate to the differences between Canadian and US culture and healthcare payment systems.

Self-treatment of pain in a rural area

CONTEXT

In the United States, 42% of adults say they experience pain daily, the majority often relying on self-treatment. In addition, an increasing number of people are seeking complementary/alternative therapies, often without informing their health care providers.

PURPOSE

To explore the occurrence of pain and the modalities of self-treatment used by community members (N = 108) from a rural area of Michigan, the potential for interactions between pain self-treatment modalities and other medications currently being taken, and demographic variables that might affect self-treatment choice.

METHOD

This exploratory descriptive study was conducted using a survey method.

FINDINGS

Findings revealed that 66% were taking prescription medications, 75% over-the-counter medications, 20% herbal supplements, and 35% nonpharmacological treatments. Of the reported prescription and over-the-counter medications, 18% were opioids, 77% were nonopioids, and 18% were adjuvant medications. One-third of the subjects were taking more than 1 medication and/or herbal product or supplement, increasing their risk for potential drug-herb interactions, complicated by the fact that 20% did not inform their primary care practitioner of their self-treatment choices.

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes to the knowledge of current self-treatment choices regarding pain management and potentially harmful interactions that might occur from using multiple medications and supplements.