Complementary therapists' training and cancer care: a multi-site study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore professional experience and training of complementary therapists working within cancer care.


METHODS
A Questionnaire survey of complementary therapists practising in three cancer care settings in North West England.


RESULTS
Respondents (n=51; n=47 female; mean age 50 years, range 23-78 years) had varied career backgrounds; 24 were healthcare professionals who also practised as complementary therapists (nurse n=19; physiotherapist n=3; doctor n=2) whilst 27 were complementary therapists with no prior healthcare background. Twenty-eight respondents reported working as therapists within a supportive and palliative care setting for over 6 years. Forty-seven respondents had undertaken healthcare-related continuing professional development in complementary therapies, although only just over half of the sample (n=27) had received cancer-specific training. Cancer-related complementary therapy training related to the adaptation of therapies and comprised predominantly short courses. There was a lack of standardisation in the training received, nor was it clear how many courses were accredited.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings highlight the need for standardisation of training for complementary therapy provision in cancer care and statutory review of continuing professional development within this emerging field.
Mackereth
Peter
P
Rehabilitation Department, Christie Hospital Foundation Trust, and University of Derby, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, UK. peter.a.mackereth@christie.nhs.uk
Carter
Ann
A
Parkin
Sam
S
Stringer
Jacqui
J
Caress
Ann
A
Todd
Chris
C
Long
Andrew
A
Roberts
Dai
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002983:Clinical Competence; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003406:Credentialing; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004517:Education, Professional / Q000592:standards*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D010166:Palliative Care; D012015:Reference Standards; D000078329:Workforce