Author of

• 17901

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  P2.08 - Poster Session with Presenters Present (ID 491)

  • Event: WCLC 2016
  • Type: Poster Presenters Present
  • Track: Patient Support and Advocacy Groups
  • Presentations: 1
  • Moderators:
  • Coordinates: 12/06/2016, 14:30 - 15:45, Hall B (Poster Area)

  • 17914

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    P2.08-013 - Integrated Complementary 'Energy' Therapy Improves Patient Experience of a Lung Cancer Diagnosis (ID 5514)

    14:30 - 14:30  |  Author(s): P. Swann
    • Abstract

    Background:
    40,000 people were diagnosed with Lung cancer in the UK in 2012. Invasive procedures and repeated clinic visits compound the stress of diagnosis. This study reports a non pharmacological approach to improving patient experience. Energy therapies exist in many medical traditions healing through interaction with the patient’s biofield –the invisible psychophysical entity including the body but extending beyond it in the form of energy. In this case a technique where a trained therapist uses light touch or hands held a short distance from the subject to transfer energy to the recipient and bring a greater sense of well being.
    
    Methods:
    112 patients were invited to receive an ‘Energy therapy’ session alongside their clinic appointment or bronchoscopy. The primary endpoint was reduction in anxiety. Pre and post treatment data was collected from self completed anonamised questionnaires using a 0-10 scale for subjective variables and non-invasive blood pressure recordings. Data was analysed using a students t-test.
    
    Results:
    83 patients took part in the study. 60% female, mean age 62.69. Table 1 summarises the questionnaire scores. Patients reported statistically significant reduction in anxiety, tension, stress and pain following a session of energy therapy. There was also an improvement in mood and sense of calm.

    Change in mood scores before and after Energy therapy

    Variable ( 0= best 10= worst)	Pre-treatment mean score N = 80	Post-treatment mean score N= 80	Degree of change (p)
    Anxiety ( Do you feel anxious)	5.45	2.3	3.15 (<0.001)
    Calm (do you feel calm)	4.89	1.71	3.175 (<0.001)
    Tension ( do you have tension in your body?)	5.23	2.16	3.062 (<0.001)
    Stress (do you feel stressed)	5.46	2.09	3.375 (<0.001)
    Mood ( do you feel low in mood)	4.68	2.35	2.35 (<0.001)
    Pain ( are you in pain)	3.40	1.73	1.675 (<0.001)
    Systolic BP (n=78)	135.28	131.15	4.12 (0.007

    
    
    Conclusion:
    The role of complementary therapy in cancer care has long been recognised internationally and there are reports of Energy therapy used synergistically in palliative care and management of chemotherapy side effects[i]. We believe this is the first study to look at the role of complementary Energy therapy in supporting patients undergoing a cancer diagnosis. Complementary ‘energy’ therapy is a powerful tool to significantly reduce anxiety, tension and boost mood for patients undergoing investigation and treatment for lung cancer [i] Jain S, Mills P: Biofield therapies: Helpful or full of hype? A best evidence synthesis. Int J Behav Med 17:1–16, 2010