[Use of a structured integrative oncology evaluation as a tool to improve patient adherence to a complementary medicine treatment program].

BACKGROUND

The introduction of a quality of life (QOL)-centered complementary medicine (CM) consultation over the past decade has been integrated within various oncology departments in Israel and around the globe. The consultation is provided by an integrative physician (IP) trained in CM who recommends treatment options attuned with patients' expectations, concerns and QOL, while taking safety and efficacy into consideration.

OBJECTIVE

To identify, based on the initial IP consultation, factors predicting patients' compliance to a QOL-oriented integrative treatment.

METHODS

Analysis of demographic data was conducted, together with an assessment of patients' concerns and well-being as documented in a registry protocol. Dependent and non-dependent factors were compared in two groups of patients: those with a low and a high degree of adherence to the integrative consultation.

RESULTS

Patients in the low- and high-adherence groups (83 and 160, respectively) shared similar demographic, disease- and treatment-related, as well as QOL-dependent data. Adherence to the CM treatments was higher in patients reporting prior CM use, and in patients with less severe gastro-intestinal complaints. IP assessment regarding patients' difficulties in undergoing the CM treatment process predicted low patient adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend including an initial IP assessment of patients undergoing chemotherapy, using a structured assessment in order to identify the following factors predicting low adherence to a CM treatment program: absence of prior CM use, severe gastro-intestinal symptoms, and IP assessment of expected difficulties in implementing the treatment plan.