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Research: GRAY and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 48
Abstract
GRAY and colleagues, Psychosocial and Behavioural Research Unit, Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Ontario, Canada. Ross_gray@cancercare.on.ca conducted a questionnaire to determine the attitudes, practices and knowledge of 3 groups of complementary practitioners regarding womens cancers .
Background
Methodology
National samples were obtained for naturopathic doctors and chiropractors ; the sample of massage therapists was drawn from Ontario. The survey questionnaire was posted, followed by a reminder card and a second mailing of the questionnaire. The surveyed elicited practitioners reported responses to patients suspicious symptoms, their perceptions of patients motivations for seeking treatment, their (practitioners) satisfaction with interactions with conventional practitioners, their perceptions of their role in the care of women with or at risk of cancer, and their perceptions of their knowledge about womens cancers, and specifically ovarian cancer .
Results
894 questionnaires were returned (56% response rate). The overwhelming majority of practitioners who saw women with symptoms possibly related to cancer referred them to a family physician or cancer specialist . The womens motivations for seeking complementary treatments were to maximise their quality of life, to seek natural approaches to healing and to try to stay well when their cancer is in remission . Most respondents were dissatisfied with patient-related communication with family doctors and cancer specialists . A majority of the complementary practitioners indicated they had an important role to play in the care of women with cancer, and expressed interest in further education regarding ovarian cancer.
Conclusion
: All the professions in this survey, although differing among each other, shared an interest in being involved in caring for women with cancer, and in continuing their education in order to help them better serve their clients.
References
Gray RE et a. Complementary health practitioners attitudes, practices and knowledge related to womens cancers. Cancer Prevention and Control. 3(1): 77-82. Feb 1999.
