Patients Diagnosed with Cancer Access to Complementary Therapies

Abstract/Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of death world-wide even with current advances in medical science. Modern treatments are gradually incorporating psychosocial therapy techniques such as Complementary Therapy (C/AT) to provide a holistic approach to the healing process. This work explores the common modes of communication patients diagnosed with cancer seek when obtaining information about C/AT and its’ impact to their healing process in the deep-south.  

A total of 255 people participated in a research survey. The survey responses show that most C/AT users were self-taught. Contrary to expectation, social workers were least likely to recommend C/AT to patients. Patient who utilized CA/T ascribed their improved quality of life, sustained desire to feel hopeful and control of anxiety and fear to CA/T use. Considering the benefits of C/AT based on this work, social workers should be recruited and trained on the application of CA/T to satisfy the needs of cancer patients and their families. This study recommends increased advocacy for patient-centered care and cost-effective treatment options (i.e., C/AT) for cancer patients, especially those of low socio-economic status.

Methods: Systematically searched hospitals listed as having oncology department and oncology support groups in three southern states (Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi). Direct contact was made with a relevant staff member at each hospital and support group. Data were collected regarding the accessibility of C/AT services available. A concurrent mixed method was used by combination of mostly quantitative questions, and open-ended questions.

Results: Data was collected from January 2015 through June 2015. Out of 390 surveys distributed to participants, 255 were completed and returned. Fifty percent of the participants provided statements regarding their utilization of C/AT.  

The common modes that patients were informed about C/AT was explored. Responses showed that sixty percent (n=148) were self-taught knowledge followed by Friends (28%; n=69) and media information such as internet, poster, and flyers (27%; n=68) closely after. The least cues to action where by social worker (14%; n=33) and physician (20%; n=49).

A strong consensus (92%; n=229) among participants believed C/AT were used to improve quality of life.  A large percentage (87%; n=212) expressed C/AT as used to sustain a desire to feel hopeful. Majority of participants (85%; n=214) believed complementary therapies would assist in controlling their anxiety and fear. Slightly more than half (54%; n=135) of the participants expressed the idea that C/AT were used to avoid symptoms/side effects of oncological therapies, followed by those who utilized C/AT to be involved in the decision-making process regarding therapy choice (66%; n=164).

Conclusion: This study indicates that most cancer patients are not working directly with social workers or not informed or educated by social workers. This point to a major divided between patients and social workers which needs to be bridged.

It is important for medical professional to accept C/AT as need towards providing patients with holistic care. This recognition will enable more comfort in referring cancer patient to Social works for assistance with C/AT.