Integrative oncology and complementary medicine cancer services in Australia: findings from a national cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesTo provide a contemporary description of complementary medicine (CM) product use in Australia.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingOnline.ParticipantsA nationally representative sample (n=2019) of the Australian adult population.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcomes measures included the use and type of CM products used, and source of recommendation. Secondary measures included disclosure of CM product use to health practitioners, concomitant use of pharmaceuticals and predictors of use.ResultsPrevalence of CM product use was 50.3%, with the most frequently used being vitamin and mineral supplements (VMSs; 47.8%) and homoeopathic medicines the least used (6.8%). A majority of respondents using CM products were also using pharmaceutical products, and small but significant associations were found between the use of CM products and pharmaceuticals (p<0.05). Small statistically significant associations were found between use of vitamin products and disclosure of use to general practitioners (GPs; Cramer’s V=0.13, p=0.004) and hospital doctors (Cramer’s V=0.11, p=0.04), and between use of herbal medicines and disclosure to both GPs (Cramer’s V=0.11, p=0.02) and hospital doctors (Cramer’s V=0.12, p=0.03). Women, those with higher education and those with no private health insurance were more likely to use CM products (p<0.05), while those without chronic conditions were less likely to use CM products (p<0.05) (χ2(29)=174.70, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe number of Australians using CM products has remained relatively stable and substantial for nearly two decades. The majority of CM use relates to VMSs. Given the number of Australians using both CM products and pharmaceutical medicines, it is important to evaluate the potential clinical implications of such practices to ensure safe, effective and coordinated health policy and patient care.

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Correction:Use of complementary medicine products: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 2019 Australian adults

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024198corr1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. e024198corr1

Keyword(s):

Complementary Medicine ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nationally Representative

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Coverage of cancer services in Australia and providers’ views on service gaps: findings from a national cross-sectional survey

BMC Cancer ◽

10.1186/s12885-019-5649-6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jennifer Hunter ◽

Caroline Smith ◽

Geoff P. Delaney ◽

Kate Templeman ◽

Suzanne Grant ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cancer Services

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Person-centred care in complementary medicine for individuals with chronic conditions in Australia

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.484 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

H Foley ◽

A Steel ◽

J Adams

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Complementary Medicine ◽

Health Systems ◽

Chronic Conditions ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Medical Doctors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Health Burden ◽

Public Health Systems

Abstract Background Increasing chronic condition diagnoses burden public health systems, individuals and communities. The duration and complexity of chronic conditions require ongoing, multifaceted care - such as person-centred care (PCC) - to address the individual needs and quality of life for patients. Many patients with chronic conditions seek additional care outside mainstream medicine, often consulting complementary medicine (CM) practitioners. This study examines the extent of PCC being experienced by patients with chronic conditions who consult CM practitioners. Methods Cross-sectional survey (n = 191), conducted nationally, November 2018 to March 2019, in clinics of the five CM professions most commonly consulted by individuals with chronic conditions in Australia (massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy). Participants with chronic conditions (n = 153) were surveyed about experiences of PCC during CM consultation, and regarding consultation with medical doctors, using four validated measures. Results During consultation with CM practitioners, patient perceptions of PCC were consistently high. Ratings of PCC were consistently higher for consultations with any CM practitioners (summary mean 3.33) than consultations with medical doctors (summary mean 2.95). The highest mean scores for PCC were reported by patients of naturopaths (summary mean 4.04). Variations in perceived PCC for different items between professions indicate nuance in the experience of consultation across different CM professions. Conclusions This study indicates PCC is characteristic of CM consultation, which may reflect CM philosophies such as holism. CM practitioners may present an existing resource of PCC. Further attention should be given to CM professions regarding the potential to address unmet needs of individuals with chronic conditions, and subsequently to better manage the public health burden associated with chronic conditions. Key messages Person-centred care appears to be a consistent characteristic of complementary medicine clinical care for individuals with chronic conditions. Due to rising rates of chronic conditions and the associated burden on public health systems, complementary medicine professions should be considered as a resource to optimise chronic illness care.

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Complementary medicine use in the Australian population: Results of a nationally-representative cross-sectional survey

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-018-35508-y ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Amie Steel ◽

Erica McIntyre ◽

Joanna Harnett ◽

Hope Foley ◽

Jon Adams ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Complementary Medicine ◽

Medicine Use ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Australian Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nationally Representative

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The odds that working women will accept cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20191676 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 1781

Author(s):

Ezekiel Uba Nwose ◽

Uchechukwuka Nnemdi Okwe ◽

Helen Chime

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cervical Screening ◽

Hpv Vaccination ◽

Working Women ◽

High Likelihood ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Cancer Services ◽

Online Calculator

Background: Factors influencing acceptance of cervical cancer services are being investigated, and widely reported to be quite low. However, there is dearth of research investigation on the odds of women’s acceptance of this gynaecological service. Objective of this study was to investigates the odds of unwilling to accept cervical cancer services.Methods: The study was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey and fourth piece in a series of analysis. Details of data collection are as previously described. Odds ratio was determined using online calculator; and based on proportion of respondents who have accepted the cervical cancer service, willing to complete an incomplete process and encourage others to take up the procedure.Results: The percentage of respondents who indicated no problem with HPV vaccination (55%) is higher than cervical screening (53%), but not statistically significantly different. On average, unwillingness to vaccinate later, complete their vaccinations or encourage their daughter are one-third of those who vaccinated. Those unwilling to take up cervical screening, encourage others to screen or overcome their fears are more than (161%) the subgroup who have been screened. Results show odds of unwillingness for both procedures are less than 1, but a little greater for cervical screening.Conclusions: It has been articulated that the likelihood to take up cervical cancer services will be influenced by the beliefs. This report advances that observed low acceptance level does not translate to high likelihood of unwillingness to accept the gynaecological services. Belief and nature of work of women need to be concertedly investigated.

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Complementary medicine visits by palliative care patients: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care ◽

10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002269 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. bmjspcare-2020-002269

Author(s):

Amie Steel ◽

Janet Schloss ◽

Helene Diezel ◽

Per J Palmgren ◽

Jean Baptiste Maret ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Complementary Medicine ◽

Symptom Management ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Personal Characteristics ◽

Primary Diagnosis ◽

Cancer Site ◽

Service Utilisation ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

BackgroundThe paucity of empirical research examining complementary medicine (CM) use in palliative care in France compared with other countries results in a gap in scientific knowledge. This study aims to describe the frequency and the cause of palliative care patients consulting with a CM clinician along with the conventional physicians.MethodsThis study is an observational cross-sectional survey conducted in three palliative care centres in Lyon, France, between July 2017 and May 2018: two tertiary hospitals and one palliative care unit in a private hospital. Inpatients and outpatients visiting the palliative care clinics with a primary diagnosis of cancer were invited to participate in the study. Using a 19-item paper-based survey instrument, we collected data on the participants’ personal characteristics, health service utilisation and attitudes towards CM.ResultsFrom the 138 participants meeting the inclusion criteria, 100 (72.4%) were included in the study. On average, they were 62.9 years old (SD 12.4) and the majority were women (60%). The primary cancer site was mostly colorectal (29.0%), breast (15.0%) and gynaecological (11.0%). The most commonly visited CM clinician was the aromatherapist (72.7%), recording more than six consultations (78.1%) for symptom management (21.9%). Visits to an osteopath were reported by 28.6% of patients, and 45.8% of osteopathy users reported visiting an osteopath more than six times for symptom management (62.5%). Participants visiting a naturopath (15.3%) reported less than four visits and indicated symptom management as the most common reason (76.9%).ConclusionsOur findings show a substantial proportion of palliative care patients visit CM clinicians and primarily seek symptom management from CM clinical care.

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