A service evaluation of the role of complementary therapies for patients with cancer - By Action Cancer

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer has resulted in longer survival, meaning that cancer patients are now living with what may be termed a chronic type condition. As a result of this the needs of patients living with a cancer diagnosis has changed, placing a greater emphasis on survivorship which in turn has an effect on quality of life and sleep patterns. Evidence suggests that counselling and complementary therapies have a positive impact not only on the cancer patient’s quality of life but also on family members and friends. <br/><br/>The aim of this study was to determine if there is an improvement in client’s quality of life and sleep patterns after availing of counselling and complementary therapy services as offered by a local cancer charity. <br/><br/>All clients availing of the counselling or complementary therapies offered by the charity were invited to participate in a Service Evaluation. The regulations relating to research involving human participants as outlined by the “Research Governance Framework” at a local university were also adhered to. A seven piece questionnaire was used for evaluation of services. <br/><br/>Access to anonymous data from the cancer patients, their families and carers was granted by the Research and Development Officer within Action Cancer.<br/>A total of 507 participants completed the initial questionnaires immediately before therapy and 255 participants completed the questionnaires immediately after therapy, the total matched sample is 230. When considering counselling and complementary therapies together (therapeutic services) there were statistically significant results indicating improved quality of life and sleep patterns between the two sets of data. However this was not the trend when considering counselling and complementary therapies alone.<br/><br/>While some of the findings closely reflect the literature and on the whole supports the use of therapeutic services in having a positive effect on cancer patient’s quality of life and sleep patterns. <br/>