IMPLEMENTING ACUPUNCTURE AS INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN PUBLIC HOSPITAL SETTINGS OF THE EMILIA-ROMAGNA REGION, ITALY.
THE MED.IO.RER STUDY
G. Razzini, G. Lesi, M.G. Lazzaretti, M.B. Ligabue, G. Giarelli, S. Florindi, M. Musti, C. Petrucci, E. Rondini, S. Princivalle, A. Fedeli, A. Botti, S. Rimondini, R. Neri, F. Artioli
Vol.1 issue1 (2024), pag. 39 - 49
| Received | 18/12/2024 |
| Accepted | 10/01/2024 |
| Published | 22/02/2024 |
| Review by | Double-blind |
| doi | https://doi.org/10.69068/IJIO07 |
ABSTRACT
Background
Integrative oncology combines conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies and lifestyle interventions to reduce treatment side effects and improve patients’ quality of life (QoL).
OBJECTIVE We conducted an implementation study to evaluate whether acupuncture according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat breast cancer women’’ vasomotor symptoms could be integrated within regional health system.
Material and Method
The Med.IO.RER (medicina integrata in oncologia nella regione Emilia-Romagna) study, conducted in six cancer centers, included the following phases: 1) Educational and training courses on TCM principles and acupuncture efficacy and safety; 2) Healthcare provider focus groups and in-depth interviews with patients; 3) Implementation of integrative medicine acupuncture clinic
Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to evaluate the impact of integrating an acupuncture clinic into cancer centers. Main outcomes were the overall number of patients referred to the acupuncture clinic compared to those expected and patients’ compliance to acupuncture treatment by referring healthcare provider. Secondary objectives were to identify enablers of and barriers to integrating acupuncture into cancer care through narrative based- medicine.
Results
During a one-year implementation phase, 228 breast cancer patients accessed the integrative medicine clinics, with 177 completing the acupuncture treatment plan. 79% of healthcare providers developed competency-based training programs on TCM acupuncture; mainly oncologists participated actively in the referral process. Acupuncture was confirmed to be effective and safe in reducing hot flashes and improving QoL; its integration into breast cancer care was highly requested by both patients and healthcare providers.
Conclusions
The Med.IO.RER study shows that Acupuncture as integrated tailored care is effective and should become part of standard care for breast cancer patients in Emilia-Romagna to reduce their vasomotor symptoms and improve quality of life. Specific skills on integrative medicine, trained professionals in TCM acupuncture and dedicated space within the healthcare facility are required.