The Provision of Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine Information and Services: a Review of World Leading Oncology Hospital Websites

BackgroundMany cancer patients use complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) to improve their psychological and functional health. However, there is little known about the extent of CAIM information and services provided on oncology hospital websites.MethodsThis study reviewed public-facing websites to determine the degree of CAIM information provided and services offered by the world’s leading cancer hospitals in 2021; this ranking was informed by a large survey of medical professionals led by Newsweek and Statista. Nine authors extracted data from hospital websites individually and in triplicate, prior to meeting to revise data extractions. Data analysis was then performed by two authors to determine how many hospitals provided CAIM descriptions and offered CAIM services, and the extent of CAIM information provided.ResultsA total of 131 hospitals were included in this study. Of the eligible hospitals, 50.38% (n = 66) provided a theoretical description of CAIM; 48.09% (n = 63) provided a description of one or more CAIM therapies; 63.36% (n = 83) offered one or more CAIM therapies to cancer patients. The most common therapies described were the same as the most common therapies offered. These therapies are massage, special foods and diets, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and creative outlets. While CAIM therapies were commonly offered, information surrounding the benefits and side effects associated with these therapies varied.ConclusionsDue to the lack of CAIM standardization worldwide, there is a need for increased CAIM information provision on hospital websites to better inform and empower patients to make well-informed decisions about their health.