183672 Massage Therapy for Patients with Cancer: Program Development, Analysis, and Public Health Implications

Monday, October 27, 2008: 2:50 PM

Anne M. Doherty-Gilman, MPH , Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Bambi Mathay, LMT , Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Elizabeth Dean-Clower, MD, MPH , Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Theresa Ochenkoski, LMT , Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
David S. Rosenthal, MD , Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
INTRODUCTION: Integrating massage therapy into hospital and community health settings is important. It can provide a useful service for patients, learning opportunities for massage therapists and medical staff, and may allow for more safe and effective patient care. A 2005 study reported that >20% of cancer patients use massage, often for symptom management such as anxiety, pain, and fatigue. We will describe the development of a massage program in a cancer hospital, provide an analysis with lessons learned, and discuss public health implications.

METHODS: A feasibility assessment and benchmarking was performed. Procedures for credentialing, documentation, infection control, and reimbursement were developed. Clinical statistics, patient demographics, and outcome information were recorded. A retrospective review of data from assessment forms was performed.

RESULTS: The massage service averages 600 visits/year with >2100 visits since 2002. Sessions are 45 minutes. Main referral sources: social workers and patients. Mean age of patients: 49, 85% Females, 15% Males. Most frequently seen diagnoses: breast cancer, gynecological cancers, and hematological malignancies. Primary reasons patients report using massage in this public health setting: anxiety, pain, myalgias and arthralgias, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.

CONCLUSION: Development of this service was successful. Analysis revealed it is feasible to offer massage within the cancer hospital, patients are interested in massage, and both clinicians and patients experience serious benefit from it. Whether massage is in a hospital or other public health setting, communication with the entire medical team and proper documentation are essential components of fully incorporating and benefiting from this clinical service.

Learning Objectives:
1) Describe the development of a massage therapy program for cancer patients. 2) Understand the importance of specialized training when working with cancer patients. 3) Explain the public health benefits that a program like this can have on individuals and the community.

Keywords: Ambulatory Care, Alternative Medicine/Therapies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked in the integrative therapies field for many years and have developed a number of CAM progams including massage therapy. I currently manage an integrative therapies center at a major cancer hospital.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.