Physical Therapy as Part of a Telehealth Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Modification Program (IM FIT): Preliminary Outcomes and Program Feedback From Cancer Survivors.

Background: Physical therapy (PT) has an important role in Integrative Oncology programs, addressing the unique physical health needs of individuals with cancer through exercise counseling. We share our experience with the PT component of our telehealth comprehensive lifestyle modification program including data from our first cohort of patients.

Methods: The PT component of our lifestyle modification program included 6 one-hour synchronous video sessions (30 minutes exercise education, 30 minutes exercise) over the 12-week program.

Integrative Oncology Approaches to Reduce Recurrence of Disease and Improve Survival.

Purpose Of Review: After a cancer diagnosis, patients ask what they can do in addition to the recommended treatments to increase their survival. Many turn to integrative medicine modalities and lifestyle changes to improve their chances of survival. Numerous studies have demonstrated that lifestyle changes can significantly improve survival rates for cancer patients.

Self-administered Meditation Application Intervention for Cancer Patients With Psychosocial Distress: A Pilot Study.

Background: We explored the use of a novel smart phone-based application (APP) for delivery and monitoring of meditation to treat mood symptoms experienced by cancer patients.

Methods: We assessed the feasibility of using a meditation delivery and tracking APP over 2-weeks and its impact on cancer patients' self-reported anxiety and depression. Outpatients reporting depression and/or anxiety were recruited and randomized to the APP or waitlist control group.

Frequencies and predictors of health psychology referrals after integrative oncology consultation.

Objective: Health psychology (HP) plays a critical role within a multidisciplinary, integrative oncology team. HP in integrative oncology is not well established and criteria for referral have not been examined. This study examined characteristics of referral to HP.

Multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM-FIT) for cancer survivors: implementation of a reimbursable model in a cancer hospital.

Purpose: We examined the initial effects of a real-world application of a multimodal, reimbursable program to improve lifestyle and promote healthy weight loss in cancer survivors as part of their care.

Methods: The lifestyle program (Integrative Medicine Fitness Program; IM-FIT) focusing on increasing physical activity and strength training, improving nutrition, and facilitating stress management and behavior change was delivered in a group format over 12 weeks. Patients met weekly with a physical therapist, dietitian, and psychologist.

Integrative Oncology Consultations Delivered via Telehealth in 2020 and In-Person in 2019: Paradigm Shift During the COVID-19 World Pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed the use of mobile technologies to deliver health care. This new medical model has benefited integrative oncology (IO) consultations, where cancer patients are counseled about healthy lifestyle, non-pharmacological approaches for symptom management, and addressing questions around natural products and other integrative modalities. Here we report the feasibility of conducting IO physician consultations via telehealth in 2020 and compare patient characteristics to prior in-person consultations conducted in 2019.

The Influence of Spirituality and Religiosity on US Oncologists' Personal Use of and Clinical Practices Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Background: Cancer patients frequently use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and spirituality has been associated with CAM use among patients. We evaluated how oncologists' spirituality and religiosity are associated with personal use and patient recommendations for CAM.

Methods: A survey was mailed to 1000 medical oncologists in the United States.

Effects of Center-Based Delivery of Tai Chi and Qi Gong Group Classes on Self-Reported Symptoms in Cancer Patients and Caregivers.

There is increasing interest in complementary approaches such as Tai Chi (TC) and Qi Gong (QG) in oncology settings. We explored the effects of TC/QG delivered in group classes at a comprehensive cancer center. Patients and caregivers who participated in TC or QG completed assessments before and after an in-person group class.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Integrative Oncology: Bridging Clinical Care With Research.

There is growing interest in the value of routine collection and monitoring of patient-reported outcomes as part of high-quality, patient-centered, oncology care. Integrative oncology, with its focus on providing symptom and lifestyle support for patients throughout the cancer care continuum, serves a diverse patient population with a complex, changing symptom burden. Monitoring of patient-reported outcomes can contribute significantly to the successful comprehensive evaluation and management of patients receiving integrative oncology care.

The effects of inpatient music therapy on self-reported symptoms at an academic cancer center: a preliminary report.

Purpose: Music therapy has shown benefits for reducing distress in individuals with cancer. We explore the effects of music therapy on self-reported symptoms of patients receiving inpatient care at a comprehensive cancer center.

Methods: Music therapy was available as part of an inpatient integrative oncology consultation service; we examined interventions and symptoms for consecutive patients treated by a board-certified music therapist from September 2016 to May 2017.

Group Yoga Effects on Cancer Patient and Caregiver Symptom Distress: Assessment of Self-reported Symptoms at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Background: Complementary and integrative health approaches such as yoga provide support for psychosocial health. We explored the effects of group-based yoga classes offered through an integrative medicine center at a comprehensive cancer center.

Methods: Patients and caregivers had access to two yoga group classes: a lower intensity (YLow) or higher intensity (YHigh) class.

A Pragmatic Evaluation of Symptom Distress After Group Meditation for Cancer Patients and Caregivers: A Preliminary Report.

Context: Complementary health approaches such as meditation may help improve cancer patient and caregiver symptoms, yet little research has examined the clinical application of these programs.

Objectives: We explored the effects of a meditation group class, offered as part of an integrative medicine clinic at a comprehensive cancer center, on patient and caregiver self-reported symptoms.

Methods: Participants (patients and caregivers) of any three meditation group classes offered-Power of Breath (PB), Sacred Sounds (SS), and Movement & Breath (MB)-were asked to complete the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS; scale 0-10, 10 most severe) before and after participation.

An Exploration of Returning Veterans' Sexual Health Issues Using a Brief Self-Report Measure.

Introduction: Sexual health is an integral aspect of quality of life with important implications for satisfaction with intimate relationships, emotional well-being, and life as a whole. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan frequently encounter a wide range of known risk factors for sexual health concerns.

Aim: This article seeks to examine the overall frequency, important covariates associated with sexual difficulties, and the relevant domains of sexual dysfunction among a group of recent US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.