Family Perspectives on Pediatric Complementary and Integrative Medicine Practices in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina surveyed 150 families whose children were receiving treatment for cancer or blood disorders to understand their use of complementary medicine (CM), which includes approaches like acupuncture, dietary changes, supplements, and mind-body practices. The study found that while only 30% of caregivers were familiar with the term "complementary medicine," more than half (58%) were actually using at least one form of it for their child. Dietary modifications were most popular (47%), followed by mind-body practices like prayer, yoga, and acupuncture (20%). Interestingly, families used complementary medicine for different reasons depending on their child's condition. Parents of children with cancer primarily sought CM to reduce side effects from chemotherapy and radiation, while parents of children with non-cancerous blood disorders focused on improving long-term quality of life. The study revealed significant communication gaps: only 17% of families had discussed complementary medicine with their medical team, and when these conversations did happen, parents usually had to bring it up themselves. The biggest barriers families faced were simply not knowing about available options (61%) and cost concerns (15%). These findings highlight an important disconnect between what families are seeking and what healthcare providers are discussing. For families considering acupuncture as part of their child's supportive care, this research emphasizes the importance of open communication with the oncology team about all therapies being used. To ensure safe and effective treatment, seek a licensed acupuncturist with specialized training in pediatric oncology support.

This cross-sectional survey of 150 caregivers at a single academic pediatric hematology/oncology clinic (May-September 2024) examined complementary medicine (CM) awareness and utilization patterns. Despite low terminology familiarity (30%), 58% of families actively used CM modalities, most commonly dietary modifications (47%) and mind-body practices (20%, including acupuncture and yoga). Usage motivations differed by diagnosis: oncology caregivers prioritized symptom management and side effect reduction, while hematology caregivers focused on long-term quality-of-life outcomes. Critical gaps emerged in clinician-family communication, with only 17% reporting CM discussions—60% caregiver-initiated. Primary barriers included knowledge deficits (61%) and financial constraints (15%). Findings underscore the need for proactive clinician engagement regarding integrative approaches, standardized screening protocols, and accessible referral pathways. Study limitations include single-site design, modest sample size, and lack of longitudinal data. Clinical takeaway: systematic inquiry about CM use should be integrated into standard pediatric oncology care to ensure safe, coordinated treatment planning.