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Wong CHL, Wong W, Lin WL, Au DKY, Wu JCY, Leung TH, Wu IXY, Chung VCH. Prioritizing Chinese medicine clinical research questions in cancer palliative care from patient and caregiver perspectives. Health Expect 2021; 24:1487-1497. [PMID: 34107142 PMCID: PMC8369121 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese medicine (CM) modalities, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), are popular palliative interventions among patients with cancer, but further clinical research is required to assess their effectiveness and safety. OBJECTIVE To prioritize top ten important CM clinical research questions from patients with cancer, cancer survivors and caregivers' perspectives via a face-to-face prioritization workshop in Hong Kong. METHODS A list of 25 CM clinical research questions for cancer palliative care, which were identified from existing systematic reviews (SRs) and overview of SRs, was presented to 17 participants (patients with cancer [n = 5], cancer survivors [n = 6] and caregivers [n = 6]). The participants were then invited to establish consensus on prioritizing top ten research questions. RESULTS Among the top ten priorities, five (50%) focused on acupuncture and related therapies, while five (50%) were on CHM. The three most important research priorities were (i) manual acupuncture plus opioids for relieving pain; (ii) CHM for improving quality of life among patients receiving chemotherapy; and (iii) concurrent use of CHM plus loperamide for reducing stomatitis. CONCLUSION The top ten participant-endorsed CM clinical research priorities for cancer palliative care can guide local researchers on future direction. They can also inform local research funders on patient-centred allocation of limited funding. Under limited research funding, the most important co-prioritized research question from professional and patient perspectives may be addressed first. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patients with cancer, cancer survivors and caregivers participated in conduct of the study to prioritize CM clinical research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene H. L. Wong
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong
| | - Wendy Wong
- National Institution of TCM Constitution and Preventive MedicineBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
- Yat Hei Hong Kong Company LimitedCentralHong Kong
| | - Wai Ling Lin
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong
| | - David K. Y. Au
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong
| | - Justin C. Y. Wu
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong
| | - Ting Hung Leung
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong
- School of Chinese MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong
| | - Irene X. Y. Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health StatisticsXiangya School of Public HealthCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Vincent C. H. Chung
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong
- School of Chinese MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong Kong
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Steinmann D, Babadağ Savaş B, Felber S, Joy S, Mertens I, Cramer H, Paul A, Layer M, Klafke N, Stolz R, Heyder U, Neuberger P, Winkler M, Idler C, Heine R, Kaschdailewitsch E, John H, Schmeling B, Zielke T, Horneber M, Witt CM, Voiss P. Nursing Procedures for the Prevention and Treatment of Mucositis Induced by Cancer Therapies: Clinical Practice Guideline Based on an Interdisciplinary Consensus Process and a Systematic Literature Search. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1534735420940412. [PMID: 33467951 PMCID: PMC7960907 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420940412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with cancer receiving tumor therapy often suffer from oral mucositis. Objectives: The aim of this project was to summarize experiences with nursing procedures by experts in integrative oncology and to establish recommendations for nursing interventions that can prevent or cure mucositis. Methods: The study design was an interdisciplinary consensus process based on a systematic literature search. Results: The panel discussed and agreed on 19 nursing procedures, which included mouthwashes, such as teas, supplements, oil applications, and different kinds of ice cubes to suck, as well as flaxseed solution, propolis, and mare milk. Twelve interventions were classified as effective, with effectiveness for OraLife, propolis, sea buckthorn pulp oil, marshmallow root tea also for xerostomia, Helago chamomile oil, mare milk, and Saliva Natura rated as highly effective in clinical experience. In the systematic literature search, a total of 12 out of 329 randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses on chamomile (n = 3), Calendula (n = 1) and sage (n = 1), propolis (n = 2), and sucking ice cubes (cryotherapy; n = 5) met all inclusion criteria. Trial evidence for effectiveness in oral mucositis was revealed for propolis and cryotherapy. Conclusions: The current evidence supports the use of some nursing procedures (f.e. propolis for 2 and 3 grade mucositis) for improving oral mucositis during cancer therapies. There is still a need to define general clinical practice guidelines for the supportive treatment of mucositis, as well as for more interdisciplinary research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sabine Felber
- Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sosamma Joy
- Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Isabelle Mertens
- Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Holger Cramer
- Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Paul
- Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Monika Layer
- Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Centre for Integrative Medicine, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Nadja Klafke
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Regina Stolz
- University Hospital Tuebingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.,Tropenklinik Paul-Lechler-Krankenhaus, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ute Heyder
- Community Hospital Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | | | - Marcela Winkler
- Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Christel Idler
- Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Rolf Heine
- Akademie für Pflegeberufe an der Filderklinik, Filderstadt, Germany
| | | | - Heike John
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Claudia M Witt
- University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Voiss
- Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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3
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Spadaro S, Capuzzo M, Volta CA. Fatigue of ICU Survivors, No Longer to Be Neglected. Chest 2020; 158:848-849. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.05.521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Berretta M, Rinaldi L, Taibi R, Tralongo P, Fulvi A, Montesarchio V, Madeddu G, Magistri P, Bimonte S, Trovò M, Gnagnarella P, Cuomo A, Cascella M, Lleshi A, Nasti G, Facchini S, Fiorica F, Di Francia R, Nunnari G, Pellicanò GF, Guglielmino A, Danova M, Rossetti S, Amore A, Crispo A, Facchini G. Physician Attitudes and Perceptions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): A Multicentre Italian Study. Front Oncol 2020; 10:594. [PMID: 32411599 PMCID: PMC7202223 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) interventions are widely used by patients with chronic disorders, including cancer, and may interact with cancer treatment. Physicians are often unaware of this, probably due to poor patient-physician communication on CAM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate physicians' knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns regarding CAM in a survey conducted in Italy. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 438 physicians (11 Italian hospitals) who predominantly treat patients with chronic disease, to collect personal and professional data and information on attitudes toward CAM and its possible role in Conventional Medicine (CM). Results: Of the 438 participants, most were specialists in oncology (18%), internal medicine (17%), surgery (15%), and radiotherapy (11%). Most worked at university (44%) or research hospitals (31%). Forty-two percent of participants believed that CAM could have an integrative role within CM. Oncologists were the physicians who were best informed on CAM (58%). Physicians working at research institutes or university hospitals had a greater knowledge of CAM than those employed at general hospitals (p < 0.0001), and those who were also involved in research activity had a greater knowledge of CAM than those who were not (p < 0.003). Length of work experience was significantly related to CAM knowledge. Moreover, 55% of participants suggest CAM interventions to their patients and 44% discuss CAM with them. The best-known interventions were acupuncture, Aloe vera and high-dose vitamin C. Conclusion: CAM use by patients with chronic disease and/or cancer has become a topical issue for the scientific community and for physicians. Knowing the reasons that prompt these patients to use CAM and guiding them in their decisions would improve treatment and outcomes and also benefit healthcare systems. Our findings contribute to a greater understanding of CAM knowledge, attitudes, and practice among Italian physicians. Further research is needed to identify the more effective CAM treatments and to work toward an integrated healthcare model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS - CRO, Aviano (PN), Italy
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Taibi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS - CRO, Aviano (PN), Italy
| | - Paolo Tralongo
- Division of Medical Oncology, "Umberto I" Hospital, Siracusa, Italy
| | - Alberto Fulvi
- Division of Medical Oncology, "Gemelli" Hospital, Roman, Italy
| | | | - Giordano Madeddu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paolo Magistri
- Department of Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bimonte
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Trovò
- Division of Radiotherapy, "Santa Maria della Misericordia" Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gnagnarella
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Arturo Cuomo
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Cascella
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Arben Lleshi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS - CRO, Aviano (PN), Italy
| | - Guglielmo Nasti
- Division of Medical Oncology B, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Facchini
- Department of Urology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Aurelio Guglielmino
- Division of Anaesthesia, Policlinico Universitario, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Danova
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, Vigevano Civic Hospital, ASST of Pavia, Vigevano, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rossetti
- Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology 'Istituto Nazionale Tumori' 'Fondazione G. Pascale' IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Amore
- Division of Surgery Melanoma and Skin Cancer, 'Istituto Nazionale Tumori' 'Fondazione G. Pascale' IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Crispo
- Unit of Epidemiology, 'Istituto Nazionale Tumori' 'Fondazione G. Pascale' IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Facchini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology 'Istituto Nazionale Tumori' 'Fondazione G. Pascale' IRCCS, Naples, Italy
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Wong CHL, Wu IXY, Balneaves LG, Lo RSK, Witt CM, Wu JCY, Leung TH, Chung VCH. Prioritizing Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Questions in Cancer Palliative Care: International Delphi Survey. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:1002-1014.e7. [PMID: 31404640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Chinese medicine modalities, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), have been used as palliative interventions among cancer patients. More research should be conducted to confirm their effectiveness. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to prioritize Chinese medicine clinical research questions for cancer palliative care. METHODS Twelve international experts, including physicians, Chinese medicine practitioners, nurses, and clinical research methodologists (n = 3 from each category), from Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe participated in a two-round Delphi survey for prioritizing 29 research questions identified from existing systematic reviews. The experts were asked to 1) rate clinical importance of answering the questions on a nine-point Likert scale; 2) provide qualitative comments on their ratings; and 3) suggest outcome measurement approaches. RESULTS Eight research priorities reached positive consensus after the two-round Delphi survey. Six of the priorities focused on acupuncture and related therapies, of which median ratings on importance ranged from 7.0 to 8.0 (interquartile range: 1.00 to 2.50), and the percentage agreement ranged from 75.0% to 91.7%. The remaining two priorities related to CHM, with median ratings ranged from 7.0 to 8.0 (interquartile range: 1.00 to 1.50) and percentage agreement ranged from 75.0% to 83.3%. Neither positive nor negative consensus was established among the remaining 21 questions. CONCLUSION The findings will inform rational allocation of scarce research funding for evaluating the effectiveness of Chinese medicine for cancer palliative care, especially on acupuncture and related therapies. Further research on herb safety and herb-drug interaction should be performed before conducting international trials on CHM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene H L Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Irene X Y Wu
- Xiang-Ya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lynda G Balneaves
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Raymond S K Lo
- Hospice and Palliative Care, New Territories East Cluster, Hospital Authority, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Claudia M Witt
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Justin C Y Wu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ting Hung Leung
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Vincent C H Chung
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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6
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Can complementary medicine increase adherence to chemotherapy dosing protocol? A controlled study in an integrative oncology setting. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2017; 143:2535-2543. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2509-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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7
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Shalom-Sharabi I, Samuels N, Lavie O, Lev E, Keinan-Boker L, Schiff E, Ben-Arye E. Effect of a patient-tailored integrative medicine program on gastro-intestinal concerns and quality of life in patients with breast and gynecologic cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2017; 143:1243-1254. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2368-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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8
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Loquai C, Dechent D, Garzarolli M, Kaatz M, Kaehler KC, Kurschat P, Meiss F, Micke O, Muecke R, Muenstedt K, Stein A, Nashan D, Stoll C, Schmidtmann I, Huebner J. Use of complementary and alternative medicine: A multicenter cross-sectional study in 1089 melanoma patients. Eur J Cancer 2017; 71:70-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Luctkar-Flude M, Groll D. A Systematic Review of the Safety and Effect of Neurofeedback on Fatigue and Cognition. Integr Cancer Ther 2015; 14:318-40. [PMID: 25716351 DOI: 10.1177/1534735415572886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many cancer survivors continue to experience ongoing symptoms, such as fatigue and cognitive impairment, which are poorly managed and have few effective, evidence-based treatment options. Neurofeedback is a noninvasive, drug-free form of brain training that may alleviate long-term symptoms reported by cancer patients. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to describe the effectiveness and safety of neurofeedback for managing fatigue and cognitive impairment. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A comprehensive search of 5 databases was conducted: Medline, CINAHL, AMED, PsycInfo, and Embase. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, controlled before and after studies, cohort, case control studies, and descriptive studies were included in this review. RESULTS Twenty-seven relevant studies were included in the critical appraisals. The quality of most studies was poor to moderate based on the JBI critical appraisal checklists. Seventeen studies were deemed of sufficient quality to be included in the review: 10 experimental studies and 7 descriptive studies. Of these, only 2 were rated as high-quality studies and the remaining were rated as moderate quality. All 17 included studies reported positive results for at least one fatigue or cognitive outcome in a variety of populations, including 1 study with breast cancer survivors. Neurofeedback interventions were well tolerated with only 3 studies reporting any side effects. CONCLUSIONS Despite issues with methodological quality, the overall positive findings and few reported side effects suggest neurofeedback could be helpful in alleviating fatigue and cognitive impairment. Currently, there is insufficient evidence that neurofeedback is an effective therapy for management of these symptoms in cancer survivors, however, these promising results support the need for further research with this patient population. More information about which neurofeedback technologies, approaches, and protocols could be successfully used with cancer survivors and with minimal side effects is needed. This research will have significance to nurses and physicians in oncology and primary care settings who provide follow-up care and counseling to cancer survivors experiencing debilitating symptoms in order to provide information and education related to evidence-based therapy options.
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Truant TL, Balneaves LG, Fitch MI. Integrating complementary and alternative medicine into cancer care: Canadian oncology nurses' perspectives. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2015; 2:205-214. [PMID: 27981116 PMCID: PMC5123512 DOI: 10.4103/2347-5625.167233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional cancer care in Canada is in its nascent stages. While most patients use CAM during their cancer experience, the majority does not receive adequate support from their oncology health care professionals (HCPs) to integrate CAM safely and effectively into their treatment and care. A variety of factors influence this lack of integration in Canada, such as health care professional(HCP) education and attitudes about CAM; variable licensure, credentialing of CAM practitioners, and reimbursement issues across the country; an emerging CAM evidence base; and models of cancer care that privilege diseased-focused care at the expense of whole person care. Oncology nurses are optimally aligned to be leaders in the integration of CAM into cancer care in Canada. Beyond the respect afforded to oncology nurses by patients and family members that support them in broaching the topic of CAM, policies, and position statements exist that allow oncology nurses to include CAM as part of their scope. Oncology nurses have also taken on leadership roles in clinical innovation, research, education, and advocacy that are integral to the safe and informed integration of evidence-based CAM therapies into cancer care settings in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L Truant
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lynda G Balneaves
- Centre for Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Margaret I Fitch
- Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Lee CQT, Kouyoumdjian F, Christian J. Defining research priorities for bacterial sexually transmitted infections in Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2014; 105:e86-90. [PMID: 24735702 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.105.4210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to define priority areas for research on chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in Canada through the use of a consensus method. METHODS A modified Delphi method was conducted, consisting of two online surveys and an in-person meeting. Participants included people working in bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Canada, including clinicians, policy-makers, public health practitioners, and researchers. RESULTS Consensus was achieved regarding the most important priority topics in bacterial STI research in Canada, within five general priority areas: the epidemiology of bacterial STIs, screening, partner notification and contact tracing, antimicrobial resistance, and identification of best practices for the prevention and control of bacterial STIs. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this consensus process can be used to inform research efforts, which could contribute to more effective control of bacterial STIs in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Q-T Lee
- 1) Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario (at the time of study; currently at Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Barrie, Ontario) 2) Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
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