Survey of Oncology Patients' Perceptions on Integrative Medicine and Awareness of Resources at an Academic Cancer Center.

Abstract

Background: More cancer centers are offering integrative medicine (IM) therapies. However, it is unclear how many patients are aware of, and are utilizing, these therapies to help manage their symptoms. Objectives: This survey study examines patients' knowledge, satisfaction with, and perceptions of available IM resources at an academic cancer center. Methods: An online, anonymous survey was sent to 7,807 patients of the University of California Davis Health Comprehensive Cancer Center using the electronic health record. The survey consisted of 11 primary questions with follow-up questions. Results: One thousand and sixteen respondents initiated the survey (response rate of 13%). Eight hundred and fifty-five respondents (10.9%) completed the survey. Mean age was 65.4 years; 67.3% of respondents were female, 84.9% were Caucasian/White, and 86.8% reported being non-Hispanic. The largest group of responders were patients with breast cancer (25.7%). 78.7% reported no IM use, and 18.9% reported using IM. Although 53.7% of respondents were satisfied with the resources, 42.1% reported not being aware of any IM resources. Those who were unaware of resources were more likely to be female than male (47.8% vs. 30.5%) and non-Hispanic (42.3% vs. 31.2%). 48.7% wanted additional IM resources. Of those who wanted additional resources, 54.7% wanted nutritional counseling, 49.3% wanted manipulative and body-based methods, 44.4% wanted alternative medical systems, and 43.4% wanted counseling on herbs, dietary supplements, and cannabis. Discussion: Forty-two percent of participants were unaware of any IM resources at the institution and an even greater number, 48.7%, voiced a desire for additional IM resources. Conclusion: This is the first study in the United States at an academic comprehensive cancer center to examine patients' perceptions of available IM resources. Although some cancer centers offer a variety of IM resources, many patients may be missing out on potential symptom or quality-of-life benefits due to a lack of awareness of these resources.