JCO Oncol Pract. 2025 Nov 25:OP2500584. doi: 10.1200/OP-25-00584. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Demand for integrative medicine (IM) in cancer care is increasing, yet limited data exist regarding which hospitals offer IM services and what those services include. This exploratory cross-sectional study aimed to (1) examine organizational characteristics and market factors of cancer hospitals that offered IM services and those that did not; and (2) identify the types of services included in IM programs within cancer hospitals and their funding sources.
METHODS: Bivariate analysis evaluated the relationship between the dependent variable (cancer hospitals offering IM services) and the independent categorical variables. χ2 tests were performed for categorical variables, and t tests were used to compare means for continuous variables. An electronic survey was developed and distributed to 150 IM program leaders. The survey assessed service offerings, delivery settings, referrals, funding, barriers, and facilitators. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and describe survey results.
RESULTS: Key findings showed statistically significant associations between cancer hospitals providing IM services and those that did not. A higher proportion of cancer hospitals with IM programs offered palliative care services, were not-for-profit, larger (bed size 400+), teaching entities located in metropolitan areas with larger populations and higher per capita income. Most frequently offered IM services were nutrition counseling, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Additionally, philanthropy was essential in providing financial support for IM services.
CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the need for a better understanding of the factors influencing the availability and accessibility of IM services in cancer care. IM programs are increasingly embedded within cancer centers, offering diverse services to support patients’ symptom management and quality of life. However, funding, staffing, and integration variations reflect a need for standardized models and best practices.
PMID:41289555 | DOI:10.1200/OP-25-00584
