How can Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioners support active surveillance patients diagnosed with localised prostate cancer living in the UK? A modified Delphi study
By Pavlina Fialova - MSc in Chinese Herbal Medicine
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is now the most diagnosed cancer in England. A common treatment pathway for localised prostate cancer (LPC) is “Active Surveillance” (AS) which consists of regular hospital-led monitoring only. There is a lack of material considering Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) support for AS patients, yet research shows that cancer patients use CHM herbs, alternative remedies/therapies and other herbal remedies, often not declaring this to their physicians with some dietary supplements negatively interacting with anticancer agents.
This Delphi study seeks to achieve a practitioner consensus on how Chinese herbal medicine practitioners (CHMP) can support LPC patients in AS in the UK. A panel of CHMPs will participate in a Delphi study. The results of a preliminary literature review will be evaluated during an experienced practitioner interview to confirm current UK CHM support options for LPC/AS patients (Round 0). Round 1 will present qualitative statements derived from Round 0 and seek consensus and/or record further qualitative statements in response from the CHMP panel. Following analysis of the R1 responses, consensus will be determined and Rounds 2 and 3 will then present the R1 derived statements and R0 statements where no consensus has been reached for further consideration and consensus building.
