Developing an operational model for an integrative oncology program: a qualitative descriptive feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
We describe a descriptive qualitative study with the purpose of assessing the feasibility of developing an integrative oncology program in our region.


METHODS
We conducted 39 interviews and two focus groups (n = 20) with cancer patients, their caregivers and complementary and conventional (n = 15) healthcare professionals.


RESULTS
One primary theme emerged, acceptance or tolerance of an integrative oncology program, which represents concepts within four emergent categories: (1) operational model; (2) values to guide an integrative oncology program; (3) physical location and design; and (4) facilitators and barriers to establishing an integrative oncology program.


CONCLUSIONS
The study was instrumental in establishing support for an integrative oncology program in our region, including a feasible model. Based in part on the results of this study, the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre ( www.oicc.ca ) opened in November 2011. We recommend a similar process of stakeholder engagement for others who wish to develop an integrative program in their location.
Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre, 29 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa, Canada, K1Y 2E5, lweeks@oicc.ca.
Laura
L
Weeks
Dugald
D
Seely
Cathy
C
DeGrasse
Shailendra
S
Verma
Heather
H
Boon
Marja
M
Verhoef
Dawn
D
Stacey
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D055048:Integrative Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D016730:Program Development; D036301:Qualitative Research