Práticas integrativas e complementares no tratamento oncológico

Abstract

Cancer is a disease that affects the patient's life, whether in the biological, psychological or social aspect, generally seen as a disease which refers to suffering and death. Conventional cancer treatments are very aggressive and many patients become hostages of medication, being physically and psychologically beaten down. Integrative practices are an approach that combines conventional and unconventional treatment practices for care. Objectives: To know the Integrative and Complementary Practices used by health professionals in the care of individuals in oncological treatment and to identify the integrative and complementary practices quoted by nurses as a possibility in the alternative treatment of oncology. Method: This is an integrative review study that used 24 articles in its sample that made it possible to structure two thematic categories, namely: Results: 1) Integrative and Complementary Practices used by health professionals in the care of individuals in oncological treatment where the use of the following PICs by healthcare professionals was highlighted: phytotherapy, aromatherapy, Reiki, acupuncture, music therapy and relaxation, used simultaneously with conventional therapies. 2) Integrative and Complementary Practices used by nurses as a possibility in alternative treatment in oncology. The nurses, from the selected articles, pointed out aromatherapy, acupuncture, Reiki, therapeutic touch, Yoga, massage and music therapy as therapies that brought benefits to patients. Concluding considerations: PICs should not be seen as a strategy to repair or replace elements of the system that do not work satisfactorily, since they themselves have several limitations. These practices present themselves as a complement to a health care can contribute to complement and improvement of an already effective care, offering strategies of self-care, health promotion and quality of life.