Complementary Health Approaches: Overcoming Barriers to Open Communication During Cancer Therapy
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BACKGROUND: Complementary health approaches (CHAs) have been widely used by patients with cancer for many reasons. However, some patients choose not to disclose their use of CHAs to their nurses, fearing that this use will be viewed as unacceptable. Nurses may be uncomfortable talking about CHAs because of a lack of evidence-based research on the subject.
. OBJECTIVES: This article promotes ways in which nurses can overcome barriers to open communication about CHAs with patients during cancer therapy.
. METHODS: The literature related to CHAs and communication was reviewed.
. FINDINGS: To encourage open communication between nurses and patients regarding the use of CHAs, nurses need to be more knowledgeable about CHAs through training or by conducting research related to CHAs.

A systematic review of the evidence for complete decongestive therapy in the treatment of lymphedema from 2004 to 2011.

OBJECTIVE: To critically analyze the contemporary published research that pertains to the individual components of complete decongestive therapy (CDT), as well as CDT as a bundled intervention in the treatment of lymphedema. DATA SOURCES: Publications were retrieved from 11 major medical indices for articles published from 2004-2010 by using search terms for lymphedema and management approaches. Literature archives of the authors and reference lists were examined through 2011. STUDY SELECTION: A research librarian assisted with initial literature searches by using search terms used in the Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema, plus expanded terms, for literature related to lymphedema. Authors sorted relevant literature for inclusion and exclusion; included articles were sorted into topical areas for data extraction and assessment of level of evidence by using a published grading system and consensus process. The authors reviewed 99 articles, of which 26 met inclusion criteria for individual studies and 1 case study did not meet strict inclusion criteria. In addition, 14 review articles and 2 consensus articles were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION: Information on study design and/or objectives, participants, outcomes, intervention, results, and study strengths and weaknesses was extracted from each article. Study evidence was categorized according to the Oncology Nursing Society Putting Evidence into Practice level of evidence guidelines after achieving consensus among authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: Levels of evidence were only moderately strong, because there were few randomized controlled trials with control groups, well-controlled interventions, and precise measurements of volume, mobility and/or function, and quality of life. Treatment interventions were often bundled, which makes it difficult to determine the contribution of each individual component of treatment to the outcomes achieved. CONCLUSIONS: CDT is seen to be effective in reducing lymphedema. This review focuses on original research about CDT as a bundled intervention and 2 individual components, manual lymph drainage and compression bandages. Additional studies are needed to determine the value and efficacy of the other individual components of CDT.