Communication about Complementary Medicine in Oncology

This dissertation describes research on communication about complementary medicine in oncology in the Netherlands. It focuses on how complementary medicine is discussed, which forms of complementary medicine are effective and safe, and how cancer patients can be supported in this communication.Research methods included observations of 80 audio recordings of oncology consultations, interviews with 17 patients and 13 healthcare providers, an online questionnaire completed by 1481 complementary therapists, and an overview of 100 systematic reviews on complementary therapies. To support patient-provider communication, a question prompt sheet and a slideshow were developed. These tools were evaluated by 144 patients.The results show that the topic of complementary medicine is usually initiated by patients. Skepticism, lack of knowledge, and time constraints among healthcare providers are barriers to discussing complementary medicine. Complementary medicine practitioners experience little openness to interprofessional communication among healthcare providers. Both patients and healthcare providers advocate for routine communication and easily accessible information about complementary medicine. Two communication-supporting tools were positively received, although the need for support varies greatly among patients.There is a need for effective communication and reliable information about complementary medicine in Dutch oncology care. Routine, open communication about complementary medicine can be an important first step.