Abstract

Background: The implementation of integrative medicine in an oncology setting (Integrative Oncology, IO) is increasingly taking place in cancer centers across Israel and worldwide, often together with palliative care.

Objectives: To learn about a collaborative treatment setting involving a team of gyneco-oncology, supportive and palliative care and IO healthcare professionals and practitioners.

Methods: This narrative-based study analyzed the treatment of a patient with advanced ovarian cancer from the perspectives of healthcare professionals and practitioners from the three disciplines.

Results: The patient, a young woman from Israel with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, had always had a strong affinity toward alternative medicine practices. The medical team at the study center accompanied her from the initial diagnosis until her passing. The narratives presented include those from the IO team of practitioners working in the gyneco-oncology department, her gyneco-oncologist and the palliative care nurse. These perspectives addressed the goals of the IO program, and the quality of the interaction in meeting therapeutic challenges, including during end-of-life care.

Conclusions: Clinical collaboration between oncology surgeons, palliative care professionals and IO practitioners may facilitate communication with patients whose health-belief model challenges that of medical and nursing staff. This interaction may create a synergistic process, sharing treatment goals with the patient.