ABSTRACT
Complementary and integrative medicine as defined by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine refers to the use of nonmainstream approaches together with conventional medical approaches. In palliative care settings, complementary or integrative approaches may be used for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Complementary therapies are used by 70% of all oncology departments engaged in palliative care in Britain, 64% of palliative care units in Japan, and 28% of advanced cancer/palliative care patients in a Canadian community and hospital setting. A nonjudgmental approach to discussion of nonconventional therapies can help develop a comprehensive integrative medicine care plan. An integrative medicine approach requires effective communication between health-care providers of nonconventional and conventional therapies. The inclusion of an integrative medicine practitioner in an interdisciplinary team discussion is one strategy to help identify which nonconventional therapies are most appropriate and safe for the patient.
