Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Palliative Care: A Comparison of Data From Surveys Among Patients and Professionals

Purpose. Many cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during or after their therapy. Because little is known about CAM in palliative care, we conducted 2 surveys among patients and professionals in the palliative setting. Participants and methods. Patients of a German Comprehensive Cancer Center were interviewed, and an independent online survey was conducted among members of the German Society for Palliative Care (DGP). Results. In all, 25 patients and 365 professional members of the DGP completed the survey (9.8% of all members); 40% of the patients, 85% of the physicians, and 99% of the nurses claimed to be interested in CAM. The most important source of information for professionals is education, whereas for patients it is radio, TV, and family and friends. Most patients are interested in biological-based methods, yet professionals prefer mind-body-based methods. Patients more often confirm scientific evidence to be important for CAM than professionals. Conclusions. To improve communication, physicians should be trained in evidence for those CAM methods in which patients are interested.