Perception, attitudes, knowledge of using complementary and alternative medicine for cancer patients among healthcare professionals: A mixed‐methods systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Background With the rapid increase in the prevalence of cancer worldwide, the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased among cancer patients. This review aimed to understand the perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals toward using CAM for cancer patients. Methods A mixed‐methods systematic review was undertaken in four databases. Inclusion criteria were primary studies reporting perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals for using CAM for cancer patients were eligible. A mixed‐methods convergent synthesis was carried out, and the findings were subjected to a GRADE‐CERQual assessment of confidence. Results Forty‐two studies were chosen. The majority of the studies were quantitative and had less than 100 participants. Most publications were from European countries, and oncology was the highest among the specialties. The review found the following themes: feasibility of having negative adverse effects, low expectations of using CAM among HCPs, potential positive effects of using CAM, specific CAM training may be helpful, no concrete regulations to promote CAM practice, and poor physician–patient communication. Conclusions Nurses had more positive views than other professions; oncologists were concerned regarding herb–drug interactions; integration of CAM into the healthcare system was favorable; HCPs felt the need to participate in specific CAM training; and HCPs agreed that CAM education should be provided more regularly. Future studies should explore the studies views of cancer patients and details of in‐depth evidence of CAM in oncology settings.

Keywords

• attitude
• belief
• CAM
• cancer
• complementary medicine
• perception