Integrating Complementary Medicine Into the Care of Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Brief Report on the Preliminary Framework and Implementation of an Educational Program
Authors
Chun Lam
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Kwok Au
Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Hing Hung
School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Ho Chou
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Alex Leung
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Chi Li
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Ho Koon
School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Yin Cheung
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Keywords:
pediatric cancer, cancer survivorship, integrative medicine, complementary medicine, Chinese medicine
Abstract
Existing educational programs typically include limited information on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) for survivors of childhood cancer.
Objectives
This brief report presents the preliminary results of an educational program that aims to promote the safe and effective use of Chinese medicine (CM) among survivors in Hong Kong.
Methods
Survivors of childhood cancer, their caregivers, and oncology practitioners were invited to participate in a program that consists of two didactic seminars and a written educational booklet that disseminated information on the use of CM. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate participants' receptivity toward and perceived relevance of the program. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to discuss the impact of the intervention.
Results
Reach: A total of 174 participants attended the seminars, and the seminar recording received over 380 views on social media platforms since April 2021. The hardcopy of the educational booklet was distributed to 43 recipients. The web-version of the booklet was sent to 67 participants and downloaded 143 times. Efficacy: The majority found that the content of the seminar useful (mean score = 5.04/6 points), especially the CM exercise (mean score = 4.88/6 points) and dietary advice (mean score = 4.99/6 points). Intention to adopt: The survivors (or their caregivers) reported that they would adopt advice on food therapies (83.3%) and traditional Chinese health exercises (55.6%) during survivorship.
Conclusion
The preliminary data on patient preferences will be applied to further develop educational materials and to establish a TCIM referral network within the cancer survivor community.
Keywords: pediatric cancer, cancer survivorship, integrative medicine, complementary medicine, Chinese medicine
Author Biographies
Alex Leung, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Chi Li, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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