The first French Outpatient hospital for integrative oncology care at the Saint-Vincent Hospital Group in Strasbourg. Organisation and preliminary therapeutic results

Abstract

Context

Integrative care is the association with conventional treatments of quality and evidence based complementary therapies used in supportive care. More than half the patients use this approach during cancer treatment. To facilitate access to this type of care, for patients whose WHO performance status is 2-3 and/or presenting a grade symptom 3, an integrative care outpatient hospital was set up almost two years ago. How does this innovative unit function and what are its preliminary results?

Method

A questionnaire for each complementary practice was sent to the different members of the healthcare team (two doctors, four nurses, a psychologist, a dietitian, a beautician) and analysed.

Results

Fourteen questionnaires were studied (some caregivers practicing several techniques): assessment nursing interview, coordinating medical consultation, homeopathy, acupuncture, auriculotherapy, micro nutrition, dietetics, aromatherapy, reflexology, psycho-oncological interview, social-aesthetics, mindfulness, hypnosis, virtual reality and therapeutic meal. All caregivers have experience in oncology and have the relevant diplomas in their particular technique. The feedback from both caregivers and patients is very positive. The benefits obtained in regard to symptoms and quality of life are convincing and in line with the results of the various existing studies. The main indications are fatigue, pain (especially neuropathic pain), digestive and anxiety- depressive disorders.

Conclusion

This day of care is greatly appreciated by patients and caregivers alike. The assessment questionnaires are very positive. A care charter governs the activity of the integrative caregiver and helps to prevent any possible deviation. A qualitative study is about to be carried out to assess our practice.