Publication Language: English

Background: In the last decade, a number of integrative oncology programs have been established within leading oncology departments in Israel aiming to provide consultations that address patients’ concerns and improve their quality of life (QOL). Objective: To identify Arab cancer patients’ attitudes, needs and expectations concerning integration of complementary and traditional medicine (CTM) in their supportive oncology …

Modeling integrative oncology care program for Arab patients in North Israel: Towards quality of life improvement during chemotherapy. Read More »

Introduction: In this multinational Middle-Eastern study, we assessed health-care providers’ (HCPs) perspectives on their patients’ use of complementary and traditional medicine (CTM) and identified the leading barriers to CTM integration in supportive cancer care. Methods: A 17-item questionnaire was developed and administered to HCPs attending palliative medicine workshops conducted across the Middle East by the Middle East …

Integration of complementary medicine in supportive cancer care: survey of health-care providers’ perspectives from 16 countries in the Middle East. Read More »

Background: During the past decade, there has been growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients and it is being integrated more frequently within conventional cancer centers. The long-term effect of mind-body therapies on quality of life (QoL), depression, anxiety, and fatigue was tested prospectively in this study. Patients and methods: Cancer patients who …

Complementary and integrative medicine improved quality of life, depression, anxiety and fatigue levels in cancer patients on active oncology treatment. Read More »

Context: Complementary medicine (CM) is extensively used by patients with cancer across the Middle East. Objectives: We aimed to compare the perspectives of two Arab populations residing in diverse socioeconomic-cultural settings in Palestine and Israel regarding the role of CM in supportive cancer care. Methods: A 27-item questionnaire was constructed and administered to a convenience sample of Arab …

Compared perspectives of Arab patients in the Palestinian Authority and Israel on the role of complementary medicine in cancer care. Read More »

Context: There is a dearth of studies on how cultural background influences patients’ attitudes and choices regarding complementary and traditional medicine (CTM) integration. Objectives: To explore Arab and Jewish patients’ perspectives regarding CTM use and its possible integration within conventional cancer care. Methods: This was a cross-cultural study. We developed a 27-item questionnaire that evaluates patients’ perceptions regarding …

Perceptions of complementary medicine integration in supportive cancer care of Arabs and Jews in Israel: A cross-cultural study. Read More »

Background: Cancer incidence in Middle Eastern countries, most categorized as low- and middle-income, is predicted to double in the next 10 years, greater than in any other part of the world. While progress has been made in cancer diagnosis/treatment, much remains to be done to improve palliative care for the majority of patients with cancer who …

Evaluating palliative care needs in Middle Eastern countries. Read More »

Objectives: The current study explores the relationship between attachment styles, social support, gender and finding meaning in caregiving among spousal caregivers of colorectal cancer patients. Methods: Sixty caregivers (30 men and 30 women) were administered questionnaires assessing attachment styles, social support and finding meaning in caregiving, using a cross-sectional design. Results: For male caregivers avoidance attachment is associated …

Attachment style and social support and finding meaning among spouses of colorectal cancer patients: gender differences. Read More »

Objective: Coping with cancer and its treatments has significant psychological implications for patients, and hospitalization can lead to emotional distress. Based on a community meeting (CM), a common therapeutic intervention in psychiatric wards, a unique patient-staff-caregiver group is held weekly on the radiotherapy unit of our hospital. The goals are to strengthen patient coping abilities and …

Perceptions of a patient-staff-caregiver group among inpatients in a radiotherapy unit. Read More »