A multisite, community oncology-based randomized trial of a brief educational intervention to increase communication regarding complementary and alternative medicine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread, yet there is relatively little discussion regarding its use between oncology patients and their health care practitioners.

Methods

This multisite randomized trial examined the efficacy of an educational intervention designed to encourage oncology nurses to discuss CAM use with their patients. A total of 175 nurses completed questionnaires about discussing CAM use with patients at baseline and 2 months after the intervention. Patients at baseline (N = 699) and different patients at follow-up (N = 650) completed questionnaires regarding CAM.

Results

At the 2-month follow-up, nurses in the intervention reported they were more likely to ask about CAM use than those in the control group (odds

SUBMITTER: Parker PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3812069 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature