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Abstracts for Oral Presentations
Author(s) -
Schofield, P. E.,
Charleson, C.,
Diggens, J.,
Marigliani, R.,
Jefford, M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
asia‐pacific journal of clinical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1743-7563
pISSN - 1743-7555
DOI - 10.1111/j.1743-7563.2008.00201_1.x
Subject(s) - citation , convention , library science , history , medicine , political science , law , computer science
Background: The use of Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) continues to evoke strong debate and diverse views within the medical community. Most doctors are concerned about the lack of scientifically credible research to support CAM use. However, the prevalence of CAM use continue to grow. Research shows health professionals (HP) do not discuss CAM use appropriately with their patients. Enhanced dialogue between health care professionals and patients about CAM may generate a more open and trusting relationship and ultimately, improve outcomes for patients. The aim of this work was to develop evidence-based guidelines to enable HPs to have respectful, well-informed and balanced discussion with patients about CAM. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, covering the relevant literature from 1997 to 2007 using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PSYCINFO databases. Reference lists were hand searched, and further searches were undertaken of authors commonly publishing in this field. The level of evidence provided in relevant papers was rated using a standardised rating system. Results: The search identified 78 original papers; 36 directly related to discussing CAM. No randomised controlled trials directly related to discussing CAM were identified. The evidence based guidelines are presented as recommended steps: 1. Elicit the person’s understanding of his/her situation; 2. Respect cultural and linguistic diversity and different epistemological frameworks; 3. Ask questions about CAM use at critical points in the illness trajectory; 4. Explore details and actively listen; 5. Respond to the person’s emotional state; 6. Discuss relevant concerns about CAM while respecting the person’s beliefs; 7. Provide balanced, evidence-based advice; 8. Summarise the main discussion points of discussion and check understanding 9. Document CAM-related discussions; 10. Monitor/follow-up CAMdiscussions at subsequent consultations. Conclusions: CAM discussions are an opportunity to explore the patient’s psychosocial and existential needs. These guidelines provide the necessary basis for a communication skills training program, which has been developed concurrently, to improve these discussions in the conventional oncology treatment setting