Barriers and Facilitators to Integrative Oncology Services in Australia: A Changed Mind Set Required.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to integrative oncology (IO) service provision and access in Australia. Design: The study design was mixed method with two substudies: a cross-sectional national cancer service survey of public and private sectors; and focus group interviews and an online survey of cancer survivors. Triangulation analysis of qualitative and quantitative data was used to identify and interrogate meta-themes. Subjects: The cancer service response rate was 93.2% (n = 275/295); 71/275 (25.8%) provided IO. Thirty-three cancer survivors from Anglo-European, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Chinese backgrounds were interviewed, and 121 survivors answered the online survey. Results: IO gaps were substantial, with no services in many regions and cities; a lack of diversity and availability of therapeutic options, including culturally appropriate services; and a mismatch between the high use of natural health products by survivors and types of IO services provided. Two overlapping meta-themes were identified: "barriers and facilitators" and "peoples and institutions"; each with four subthemes, respectively, "access/provision, affordability/funding, information/evidence, and culture/values" and "cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, organizations, and policies." While affordability/funding was the greatest barrier to survivors and providers, solutions varied (e.g., building a stronger evidence-base, business model advice) and often conflicted (e.g., public verses private sector funding). The most insidious barrier was professional/corporate cultures and values that influenced hospital policies (or lack thereof), conceptions of evidence and the therapeutic alliance. Survivors called for a change of mindset in the culture of medicine and value-based health care. Conclusions: The barriers and facilitators to IO services were more complex than building the evidence-base and demonstrating value to justify funding. To achieve a better alignment of patients' preferences with service provision, providers require more guidance on clinical governance, business models, local service gaps, and interprofessional collaboration. National strategies and funding models are needed to ensure appropriate, equitable IO service provision.

Implementation of Brazil's National Policy on Complementary and Integrative Practices: strengths and weaknesses. / Potencialidades e fragilidades de implantação da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares.

This narrative review examines the literature on complementary and integrative practices (CIPs) and their incorporation into Brazil's national health system (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) in an attempt to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the implementation of the National Policy on Complementary and Integrative Practices in the SUS (PNPIC, acronym in Portuguese). A search was conducted of the MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO databases, resulting in final sample of 25 articles. Our analysis identified five key themes in the literature related to the strengths and weaknesses of policy implementation: 1) Professional training in CIPs in the SUS; 2) structuring the provision of CIPs, access, and health promotion; 3) knowledge, access, and acceptance of service users in relation to CIPs; 4) knowledge of SUS professional staff and managers in relation to the PNPIC; and 5) scope and monitoring and evaluation of the PNPIC. In consonance with the conclusions of the PNPIC management reports, the findings provide a deeper insight into policy implementation problems and reinforce the need to empower the actors involved in this process to tackle these challenges.

Esta revisão narrativa tem por objetivo analisar a produção científica sobre as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PIC) no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) visando compreender as potencialidades e fragilidades do processo de implantação da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC). Após busca nas bases de dados, 25 artigos foram selecionados e os seus resultados analisados criticamente. Da análise do material emergiram cinco temas principais que explicitaram potencialidades e fragilidades de implantação da política: 1) Formação profissional em PIC para o SUS; 2) Estruturação da oferta em PIC, acesso e promoção da saúde; 3) Conhecimento, acesso e aceitação de usuários em relação às PIC; 4) Conhecimento de profissionais e gestores em relação à PNPIC; e 5) Escopo, monitoramento e avaliação da PNPIC. Os resultados se alinham aos relatórios de gestão da PNPIC aprofundando o conhecimento acerca da implantação da política e reforçando a necessidade de empoderamento dos atores do SUS para o enfrentamento de seus desafios.

Potencialidades e fragilidades de implantação da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares / Implementation of Brazil's National Policy on Complementary and Integrative Practices: strengths and weaknesses

Resumo Esta revisão narrativa tem por objetivo analisar a produção científica sobre as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PIC) no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) visando compreender as potencialidades e fragilidades do processo de implantação da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC). Após busca nas bases de dados, 25 artigos foram selecionados e os seus resultados analisados criticamente. Da análise do material emergiram cinco temas principais que explicitaram potencialidades e fragilidades de implantação da política: 1) Formação profissional em PIC para o SUS; 2) Estruturação da oferta em PIC, acesso e promoção da saúde; 3) Conhecimento, acesso e aceitação de usuários em relação às PIC; 4) Conhecimento de profissionais e gestores em relação à PNPIC; e 5) Escopo, monitoramento e avaliação da PNPIC. Os resultados se alinham aos relatórios de gestão da PNPIC aprofundando o conhecimento acerca da implantação da política e reforçando a necessidade de empoderamento dos atores do SUS para o enfrentamento de seus desafios.

Abstract This narrative review examines the literature on complementary and integrative practices (CIPs) and their incorporation into Brazil's national health system (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) in an attempt to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the implementation of the National Policy on Complementary and Integrative Practices in the SUS (PNPIC, acronym in Portuguese). A search was conducted of the MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO databases, resulting in final sample of 25 articles. Our analysis identified five key themes in the literature related to the strengths and weaknesses of policy implementation: 1) Professional training in CIPs in the SUS; 2) structuring the provision of CIPs, access, and health promotion; 3) knowledge, access, and acceptance of service users in relation to CIPs; 4) knowledge of SUS professional staff and managers in relation to the PNPIC; and 5) scope and monitoring and evaluation of the PNPIC. In consonance with the conclusions of the PNPIC management reports, the findings provide a deeper insight into policy implementation problems and reinforce the need to empower the actors involved in this process to tackle these challenges.

Implementação, acesso e uso das práticas integrativas e complementares no Sistema Único de Saúde: revisão da literatura / Implementation, access and use of integrative and complementary practices in the unified health system: a literature review

Resumo No Brasil, as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PIC) tiveram maior visibilidade após a criação da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares, em 2006. Contudo, ainda existem lacunas sobre o cenário geral dessas práticas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a implementação, o acesso e o uso das PIC no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) após a implantação da política. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura, guiada pela questão: "Qual o atual cenário de implementação, acesso e utilização das PIC no âmbito do SUS?", na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, na US National Library of Medicine e na Web of Science, com os descritores "Sistema Único de Saúde"/"Unified Health System" AND "Terapias complementares"/"Complementary Therapies". Da análise dos artigos, emergiram quatro categorias de discussão: "A abordagem das PIC no SUS: principais práticas usadas"; "O acesso às PIC: a Atenção Básica à Saúde como porta de entrada"; "Atual cenário de implementação das PIC: o preparo dos serviços e dos profissionais da saúde para a realização das PIC"; "Principais avanços no uso das PIC e desafios futuros". Observa-se que as PIC são oferecidas de forma tímida e os dados disponíveis são escassos, apesar dos reflexos positivos para os usuários e para os serviços que aderiram à sua utilização.

Abstract In Brazil, the Integrative and Complementary Practices (ICP) achieved greater visibility after the establishment of the National Integrative and Complementary Practices Policy (NICPP) in 2006. However, there are still gaps in the general setting of these practices. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the implementation, access and use of ICPs in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) after the establishment of this policy. We performed an integrative literature review, guided by the question: "What is the current setting of implementation, access and use of ICPs within the SUS?", in the Virtual Health Library (BVS), the U.S. National Library of Medicine and in the Web of Science, with descriptors "Sistema Único de Saúde" / "Unified Health System" AND "Terapias Complementares" / "Complementary Therapies". The analysis of papers gave rise to four categories for discussion: "The ICP approach in the SUS: main practices used"; "Access to ICPs: Primary Health Care as a gateway"; "Current implementation scenario of ICPs: the preparation of health services and professionals for to implement ICPs"; "Main advances in the use of ICPs and future challenges". We have observed that ICPs are bashfully offered and that data available are scarce, despite the positive impacts on users and services that have embraced their use.

Implementation, access and use of integrative and complementary practices in the unified health system: a literature review. / Implementação, acesso e uso das práticas integrativas e complementares no Sistema Único de Saúde: revisão da literatura.

In Brazil, the Integrative and Complementary Practices (ICP) achieved greater visibility after the establishment of the National Integrative and Complementary Practices Policy (NICPP) in 2006. However, there are still gaps in the general setting of these practices. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the implementation, access and use of ICPs in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) after the establishment of this policy. We performed an integrative literature review, guided by the question: "What is the current setting of implementation, access and use of ICPs within the SUS?", in the Virtual Health Library (BVS), the U.S. National Library of Medicine and in the Web of Science, with descriptors "Sistema Único de Saúde" / "Unified Health System" AND "Terapias Complementares" / "Complementary Therapies". The analysis of papers gave rise to four categories for discussion: "The ICP approach in the SUS: main practices used"; "Access to ICPs: Primary Health Care as a gateway"; "Current implementation scenario of ICPs: the preparation of health services and professionals for to implement ICPs"; "Main advances in the use of ICPs and future challenges". We have observed that ICPs are bashfully offered and that data available are scarce, despite the positive impacts on users and services that have embraced their use.

No Brasil, as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PIC) tiveram maior visibilidade após a criação da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares, em 2006. Contudo, ainda existem lacunas sobre o cenário geral dessas práticas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a implementação, o acesso e o uso das PIC no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) após a implantação da política. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura, guiada pela questão: "Qual o atual cenário de implementação, acesso e utilização das PIC no âmbito do SUS?", na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, na US National Library of Medicine e na Web of Science, com os descritores "Sistema Único de Saúde"/"Unified Health System" AND "Terapias complementares"/"Complementary Therapies". Da análise dos artigos, emergiram quatro categorias de discussão: "A abordagem das PIC no SUS: principais práticas usadas"; "O acesso às PIC: a Atenção Básica à Saúde como porta de entrada"; "Atual cenário de implementação das PIC: o preparo dos serviços e dos profissionais da saúde para a realização das PIC"; "Principais avanços no uso das PIC e desafios futuros". Observa-se que as PIC são oferecidas de forma tímida e os dados disponíveis são escassos, apesar dos reflexos positivos para os usuários e para os serviços que aderiram à sua utilização.

Exploring the Business Case for Improving Quality of Care for Patients With Chronic Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Currently, management of patients presenting with chronic rotator cuff tears in Alberta is in need of quality improvements. This article explores the potential impact of a proposed care pathway whereby all patients presenting with chronic rotator cuff tears in Alberta would adopt an early, conservative management plan as the first stage of care; ultrasound investigation would be the preferred tool for diagnosing a rotator cuff tear; and only patients are referred for surgery once conservative measures have been exhausted. METHODS: We evaluate evidence in support of surgery and conservative management, compare care in the current state with the proposed care pathway, and identify potential solutions in moving toward optimal care. RESULTS: A literature search resulted in an absence of indications for either surgical or conservative management. Conservative management has the potential to reduce utilization of public health care resources and may be preferable to surgery. The proposed care pathway has the potential to avoid nearly Can $87 000 in public health care costs in the current system for every 100 patients treated successfully with conservative management. CONCLUSION: The proposed care pathway is a low-cost, first-stage treatment that is cost-effective and has the potential to reduce unnecessary, costly surgical procedures.

European Union Project 'BestCARE': improving nursing care with best complementary therapy strategies.

AIM: This paper introduces the study on the European Union Project on complementary therapies and discusses project outputs and results. The goal of the European Union Project was to improve the professional knowledge and skills of women's health and oncology nurses regarding CT. BACKGROUND: The increasing and widespread use of complementary therapies in the women's health and oncology population requires nurses to be educated about their suitable and safe use. Many nurses do not have proper training in complementary therapies and therefore should not inform their patients about them. METHODS: The 'Improving the Nursing Care with Best Complementary Therapy Strategies Based on European Union Standards' (BestCARE) project was a strategic partnership within Erasmus plus for vocational education and training. The BestCARE project was coordinated by the Akdeniz University Nursing Faculty and was carried out with six partners from Turkey and Europe. RESULTS: Fifteen nurses from Turkey and Italy were trained in complementary therapies in England. In addition, training courses and seminars were held in Turkey and Italy for women's health and oncology nurses. The BestCARE programme consisted of 14 work packages. The BestCARE programme was implemented via websites, an e-learning training programme, training videos, reference and handbook, a curriculum proposal on complementary therapies and a simulation laboratory. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND/OR HEALTH POLICY: The BestCARE project allowed nurses to gain knowledge, experience and skills about complementary therapies and created a cultural awareness and sensitivity towards patients, caregivers and health professionals.

Manual de implantação de serviços de práticas integrativas e complementares no SUS / Manual for the implementation of integrative and complementary practices services in SUS

O objetivo deste manual é sugerir aos gestores do SUS um modelo de Plano de Implantação das PICS, facilitando, assim, o desenvolvimento dessas práticas de cuidado em seu território, além de descrever os passos de cadastramento dos serviços. É válido ressaltar que não se trata de um modelo rígido e obrigatório, pois os municípios que se encontram em fases diversas de implantação poderão ajustá-lo às suas necessidades, especificidades e realidade do território.

Toward Enhancing Treatment for Pregnant Smokers: Laying the Groundwork for the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Although effective treatments exist, most women who smoke during pregnancy neither seek nor receive treatment. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments (eg, mindfulness, yoga, and acupuncture) may be attractive, low-cost options that can be used to assist a large proportion of pregnant women with smoking cessation. METHODS: This study examined participant characteristics and treatment utilization among pregnant smokers in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in order to explore the prevalence and predictors of CAM use for any purpose within this population. RESULTS: Results indicated that a considerable proportion (6.9%-29.1%) of pregnant smokers are already accessing CAM, particularly Whites and those of greater socioeconomic status. Use of yoga, meditation, and massage increased across study waves. NSDUH participants were most likely to report seeking chiropractic or massage therapy; NHIS participants most frequently reported use of herbs/supplements, deep breathing, and meditation. CONCLUSIONS: Up to roughly a quarter of women endorsed traditional/conventional and CAM treatment use, suggesting that some pregnant smokers are open to trying a variety of approaches to promote health. Further research is needed to validate CAM treatments for smoking cessation and to guide safety and treatment recommendations during pregnancy. IMPLICATIONS: CAM treatments may be an attractive treatment alternative for pregnant smokers. However, no previous investigations have examined whether pregnant smokers seek out these treatments. Using nationally representative survey data, the present study aimed to explore whether pregnant smokers use CAM treatments. We found that approximately 7%-29% of pregnant smokers reported using a variety of CAM methods, suggesting the need for further investigation into the efficacy and dissemination of CAM for smoking in pregnancy.

Caracterización de las actividades de Medicina Complementaria en pacientes de EsSalud-Perú 2010-2014 / Characterization of Complementary Medicine activities in patients from EsSalud-Peru 2010-2014

Objetivos: Describir los principales indicadores de producción del servicio de Medicina Complementaria (MC) del Seguro Social de Salud (EsSalud) en el periodo 2010-2014. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, se revisaron los informes operacionales de MC del periodo 2010- 2014. Se calcularon las atenciones, atendidos, rendimiento y concentración de MC, así como, las terapias individuales y grupales que se llevaron a cabo; la frecuencia de preparados farmacológicos, y la disminución del consumo de medicamentos. Resultados: Se atendieron 277 270 pacientes y se realizaron 624 740 atenciones. El 71,8% de los atendidos fueron mujeres. El 39,9% de las atenciones se realizaron en pacientes entre 60-79 años. La causa más frecuente de consulta fue poliartrosis (21,5%). Se realizaron 2 392 040 terapias individuales y 54 611 terapias grupales; las más frecuentes fueron la acupuntura corporal (15,8%) y el taichí (29,3%), respectivamente. El 61,8% de preparados farmacológicos fueron neuralterápicos. Se encuestaron a 54 611 pacientes de los cuales el 50,8% reiere que disminuyó el consumo de los medicamentos. Conclusiones: El número de atenciones y de atendidos en el servicio de Medicina Complementaria ha venido en aumento en los últimos 3 años. La concentración de los servicios se ha venido uniformizando a nivel de Unidades básicas de Medicina Complementaria- UMEC y Centros de Atención de Medicina Complementaria - CAMEC. Los usuarios son frecuentemente mayores de 40 años y mujeres. El taichí chuan y la acupuntura corporal son las terapias más utilizadas. Así mismo, los preparados neuralterápicos fueron los de mayor prescripción. Más del 50% de los pacientes que se atienden en el servicio de Medicina Complementaria tienden a disminuir el consumo de medicamentos prescritos.

[Do's and don'ts in the establishment of an integrative medicine service in the public health care system--challenges and insights].

Although gratifying, it is somewhat misleading to describe the progress made in recent years in the field of integrative medicine just by counting the number of new programs established. This count, albeit ever-increasing, represents only one facet of the complex challenge that should concern us all--the development of a better healthcare system. In the real field, other rules apply. It is not sufficient for new integrative medicine services to survive or even to thrive if this is done in parallel to, or worse off in disconnect from, conventional medicine. The two systems, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and allopathic medicine, must collaborate in harmony for the sake of synergy. In order for that to happen, careful prior planning that addresses the multiple interests of the various stakeholders is warranted. This paper describes five key challenges and insights [institutional acceptance, Leadership support, the day after, the human factor, and program evaluation) gained from establishing an integrative oncology section within a tertiary academic medical center in Israel. It includes practical advice and useful tips in the form of do's and don'ts with the hope that these pearls would help others to estabLish and develop their own integrative medicine programs within the unique context of their hospitals and healthcare systems.

Working out of the 'tool box': an exploratory study with complementary therapists in acute cancer care.

AIMS: The aim of this research was to explore and capture complementary therapists' experiences of and preparation for working with patients in an acute cancer care setting. METHOD: Semi structured interviews with therapists (n = 18) in an acute cancer hospital in the North West of England. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic coding. RESULTS: Key themes identified included; the need for a 'tool box' of skills that develop beyond those taught in initial training, building confidence when adapting these new skills in practice, helping patients to become empowered, the need to support carers, research evidence and resources issues, and the role of supervision. CONCLUSION: This study was limited by being set in a single acute cancer site. Therapists valued having a 'tool box' but needed confidence and support to navigate the challenges of clinical practice.

Effects of complementary therapies in cancer care.

Evaluating practice is central to any NHS service. Evidence-based approaches are essential to ensure that services are run effectively, develop according to need and continue to be commissioned. A complementary therapies service was introduced at Whipps Cross University Hospital for patients with cancer and palliative care needs. The service was evaluated using an evaluation tool. Findings from the evaluation covered symptom management, wellbeing and therapeutic modalities. It is important to undertake individualised qualitative Complemenevaluations as well as quantitative studies.

Counseling cancer patients on complementary and alternative medicine. Background, theory, and implementation of nationwide counseling facilities.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is of high relevance in oncology. Only a minority of professionals feel competent in CAM. Our aim was to provide a strategy for establishing evidence-based counseling on CAM in oncology in the German health system. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of the literature on patient counseling concerning CAM. Of 811 articles identified in this search 51 met our inclusion criteria. Data from these articles were analyzed and adapted to the needs of German patients by a group of experts of the DEGRO ("Deutschen Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie") and the German Cancer Society. In the next step a strategy about how to integrate evidence-based counseling on CAM at cancer centers and oncological institutions was developed. RESULTS: First, evidence-based recommendations on CAM counseling were derived. The core of our strategy combines two levels of information provision: level 1 will be oncologists, radiotherapists and other specialists and level 2 oncological CAM experts. The latter group will serve as trainers and backup for complicated or advanced questions and for individual counseling of patients with complex needs. Professionals in level 1 will be offered special training. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based counseling on CAM is not only possible but also mandatory in order to meet patient information needs. Our proposal would allow for integrated counseling available at all oncological institutions and guarantee a high quality. Furthermore, provision of information on two different levels allows the effective use of resources (manpower and financing).