I will always be with you: Traditional and complementary therapists’ perspectives on patient–therapist–doctor communication regarding treatment of Arab patients with cancer in Israel

ObjectiveIn 2008, an Integrative Oncology Program was implemented at the Clalit Oncology Service in Haifa, Israel, to promote patients’ well-being during chemotherapy and advanced stages of disease. We hypothesized that studying the perceptions of Arab complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapists would facilitate development of a cross-culturally integrative oncology approach.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were held with 27 Arab therapists who use medicinal herbs, the Quran and various CAM modalities, with the aim of characterizing their treatment practices and learning about their perspectives regarding conventional cancer care.ResultsThematic analysis revealed that therapists act as go-betweens, mediating between patients and conventional physicians. Therapists translate diagnoses into Arabic and elucidate key concepts. They tend to perceive their role as gatekeepers accompanying patients through the conventional health system, referring them for further examinations, and providing CAM-based supportive care consultation.ConclusionsCAM therapists have an essential role in supportive care of Arab patients with cancer. Triangular patient–therapist–oncologist communication may have an impact on patients’ experience and treatment quality.Practice implicationsRecognition of CAM therapists as mediators between patients’ health beliefs and conventional perceptions of care may improve doctor–patient dialogue and facilitate supportive care provision in a cross-cultural context.