The field of integrative oncology has been developing at a rapid pace and gaining traction worldwide. Predominantly inspired by a biomedical perspective, it focusses on the establishment of specialized cancer hospitals where evidence-based supportive cancer care is made available to patients alongside their biomedical treatment. While this hospital-centric approach has its merits, other approaches do exist which are worthy of scientific and policy attention, especially, regarding their impact on psychosocial needs.
In various countries, oncological walk-in centers outside of the hospital have been developed. Belgium currently has over 40 centers with a more homelike aesthetic. Some have developed in close collaboration and physical proximity to hospitals, while others have intentionally geographically distanced themselves from hospitals. We organized interviews with the founders of the centers and 10 focus groups with visitors (N=90) of the centers to deep dive into their raison d’être and added value to in-clinic approaches.
Our research found patient evaluations which consistently highlight improvements in experienced quality of life, quality of care, and patient journey. Visitors indicate that social and existential dimensions (e.g. sense of belonging and sense of meaning) which are not part of the medical realm, are crucial when it comes to navigating through their illness, therapy adherence, enduring treatments, and living with sometimes life-altering side effects. Our research findings, thereby, strongly align with the extensive body of knowledge on the benefits of self-help and peer support.
Consequently, we plea to put the person instead of the patient central to the framework of integrated oncology and extend psychosocial care pathways into real life. As cancer is increasingly recognized as a chronic condition with a tendency towards home-based treatments, a biopsychosocial approach extending beyond the hospital walls is vital to improving patient experiences and outcomes.