Research Article

Breast Cancer Survivorship and Level of Institutional Involvement Utilizing Integrative Oncology

Table 1

Survey questions and response points used to develop a composite integrative involvement score

Survey question constructQuestion phrasingResponse instructionsResponse optionsIntegrative score pointsMaximum points possible

EducateEfforts by the institution to raise patient awareness and knowledge of 12 integrative modalitiesChoose all that apply; asked for each of the 12 modalitiesFlyers or other printed information posted in-office or online for patients to see160
Written or printed information provided to the patient1
Proactive discussion had with the patient (by oncologist or member of cancer team)2
Other methods of raising awareness1
Unsure/not promoted0

SupportEfforts taken by the institution to offer or otherwise recommend 12 integrative modalitiesChoose one (with the exception of the first two responses, which could both be chosen); asked for each of the 12 modalitiesOffered at my primary practice institution (my location)360
Offered at my primary practice institution (another affiliated location)2
Not offered, but patients are referred to places that offer1
Not offered, but may be recommended1
Unsure/not supported0

ProvideInstitution in part or full covering the costs of 12 integrative modalitiesChoose one; asked for each of the 12 modalitiesYes, costs covered fully448
Yes, costs covered in part3
No, patient responsible for all costs0
Unsure/did not offer0

StaffingInstitution keeping specific roles on staff as part of cancer patient care teamChoose one; asked in isolationSocial worker, oncology patients351
Patient navigator, oncology patients3
Financial assistant, oncology patients3
Leader or director of integrative services12
Credentialed acupuncturist or acupressurist6
Credentialed massage therapist6
Credentialed nutritionist6
Pain specialist, oncology patients3
Physical therapist, oncology patients3
Psychologist, oncology patients3
Patient liaison3

SupplementsEfforts taken by the institution to help patients address the use of herbal and plant-based supplementsChoose one; asked in isolationYes, offered at my primary practice institution (main location or satellite locations in-network)33
No, not offered, but would refer patients to other resources (for example, Memorial Sloan Kettering website)2
No, not offered, but I or my staff would help patients with questions on a case-by-case basis1
No, was not offered0
Unsure0

The range of total points possible is 0-222.