The effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine for pain relief in cancer patients

Abstract

Research question: How much is complementary and alternative medicine effective compared to Standard medical care when treating pain in cancer patients? The use of complementary and alternative medicine has been increasing amongst cancer patients all around the world. Even though there is a good number of treatments that can be used, there is still a lack of convincing clinical evidence that can support them. Thus resulting in not having a warrant for further research and studies on these methods. Hence, our Doctors and Oncologists need to learn more about these methods in order to be able to see the relevance and efficacy of them so that they can start promoting complementary and alternative medicine to their patients. These methods are mainly used with the standard medical care, those being Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and general surgeries in order to help improve the quality of life of the patient and also offer essential supportive care. The aim of complementary and alternative medicine is not to replace the use of standard medical care, as that is nearly impossible to happen but that to help and improve it. Various methods include the use of herbal medicine, food supplements, mind-body interventions, energy therapies and aromatherapy alongside many more methods. Through various studies that were conducted, it was known that any CAM related information was provided by the families and friends of the cancer patients rather than by their doctors. The aim of this dissertation is to find whether or not complementary and alternative medicine can be effective for pain relief in cancer patients when comparing to those patients who use standard medical care only. This was done through an evidence based approach where a PICO question was formed in order to get the desired outcome. Looking at the available literature, relevant articles were found and critically appraised according to the appraisal criteria found in nursing research text books. PICO elements: Population was aimed for patients that are going through cancer or cancer survivors. The Intervention was the use of complementary and alternative medicine in Comparison with the standard medical care. With the Desired outcome being to see the effectiveness for pain relief.