06/02/2018
Australian based research into complimentary therapies and cancer.
**~ AUSTRALIAN FIRST RESEARCH RELEASED!! ~**
Australian first research into the use of complementary therapies by people with cancer supports what we know from our clients - supportive complementary therapies such as oncology massage are important for managing side effects, improving quality of life and supporting self-care during and after cancer treatment.
OML was a partner in the research, which was conducted by Western Sydney University. The study had two parts: a national survey that explored current provision of integrative oncology services in Australia (ie cancer care services that offer complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments); and focus group interviews with cancer survivors that explored experiences, preferences and unmet needs associated with complementary therapies.
The study found that:
•in 2016, 26% of Australian cancer care services provided integrative oncology services; of these, 73% offered oncology massage, over half of which was provided by a certified OM therapist
•a majority of services felt that certified OM therapists were best placed to provide safe massage to cancer survivors
•funding was identified as the key barrier to providing OM within cancer care services
•cancer survivors in the focus groups reported a range of positive experiences and perceived benefits from using complementary therapies, and emphasised their appreciation of the professional care provided by complementary therapists
•participants reported a range of barriers to accessing complementary therapies, including cost, logistics, availability and lack of knowledge
• participants also reported an expectation for their oncology teams to be well informed about the benefits, risks and indications for complementary therapies and for more cancer services to provide complementary therapies along with conventional cancer care.
The study concludes that supportive care services are an essential part of quality cancer care, not a 'luxury add-on for those who can afford them' and that survivorship and wellness clinics are 'in urgent need of development'.
OML is proud to have contributed to this research, which gives excellent baseline information for policy and service planning and for further research. OML is already fulfilling a key recommendation of the study authors, by providing a nationally consistent training pathway, certification in oncology massage and continuing professional development, thereby ensuring that there are skilled oncology massage therapists available to work safely and effectively with people with a diagnosis or history of cancer.
The PDF link to the full report is under the title picture:
http://researchdirect.westernsydney.edu.au/islandora/object/uws:41530
Please share our post. This research provides essential education and our Oncology Clients need all of us working together towards greater world wide understanding.