Effectively discussing complementary and alternative medicine in a conventional oncology setting: communication recommendations for clinicians

Abstract

Objective: Justifiable concerns around the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) amongst cancer patients are becoming increasingly prominent. The aim was to develop evidence-based guidelines to assist oncology health professionals (HP) to have respectful, balanced and useful discussions with patients about CAM.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted, covering relevant literature from 1997 to 2007. The level of evidence was rated using a standardized rating system. The evidence was qualitatively synthesised into structured recommendations by a multidisciplinary team including a consumer.

Results: The search identified 78 original papers; 36 directly related to discussing CAM. No randomized controlled trials specifically addressing the methods or benefits of discussing CAM were identified. Evidence based guidelines are presented as a sequence of recommended steps: (1) Elicit the person's understanding of their 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 while respecting the person's beliefs; (7) Provide balanced, evidence-based advice; (8) Summarize discussions; (9) Document the discussion; (10) Monitor and follow-up.

Conclusion: This represents the first comprehensive guidelines for discussing CAM.

Practice implications: Given the concerns surrounding CAM use, it is critical to encourage informed decision-making about CAM and ultimately, improve outcomes for patients.