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Background: Many oncology physicians are confronted with the topic of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) by cancer patients. This study examined whether a blended learning (e-learning and a workshop) to train oncology physicians in providing advice on CIM therapies to their cancer patients, in addition to distributing an information leaflet about reputable CIM websites, had different effects on physician-reported outcomes in regard to consultations compared with only distributing the leaflet. Methods: In a multicenter, cluster-randomized trial, 48 oncology physicians were randomly allocated to an intervention group (CIM consultation and an information leaflet) or a control group (information leaflet only). After the training, the oncology physicians conducted 297 consultations with their cancer patients. Measurements were assessed at oncology physician, physician–patient-interaction (measured by external reviewers), and patient levels. This analysis focused on the physician outcomes of stress reaction and perceived consultation skill competency. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted with a subsample of oncology physicians who experienced both, the intervention and control condition. Results: The oncology physicians in the intervention group showed a lower stress reaction in all measured dimensions after CIM consultations than those in the control group. There was no significant difference between oncology physicians in the intervention and control groups regarding the perceived consultation skill competency (overburden: intervention 1.4 [95% CI: 0.7;2.1]; control 2.1 [95% CI: 1.4;2.7], tension: 1.3 [95% CI: 0.7;2.0] vs. 1.9 [95% CI: 1.3;2.5], and discomfort with consultation situations: 1.0 [95% CI: 0.4;1.7]; vs. 1.7 [95% CI: 1.2;2.3]). The qualitative data showed that only providing the leaflet seemed impersonal to oncology physicians, while the training made them feel well prepared to conduct a full conversation about CIM and provide the information leaflet. Conclusions: In our exploratory study providing structured CIM consultations showed positive effects on the perceived stress of oncology physicians, and the training was subjectively experienced as an approach that improved physician preparation for advising cancer patients about CIM, however no effects regarding perceived consultation skill competency were found. Trial registration: The trial registration number of the KOKON-KTO study is DRKS00012704 in the German Clinical Trials Register (Date of registration: 28.08.2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Many patients with cancer do not disclose complementary medicine use but want their physician's advice on this matter. This study evaluated whether using blended learning (e‐learning plus a workshop) to train oncology physicians in providing advice on complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies to their patients with cancer, in addition to distributing an information leaflet on reputable CIM websites, had different effects on patient‐reported outcomes for the consultation than only distributing the leaflet. METHODS: In this multicenter, cluster‐randomized trial, patients from private practices/hospital departments, recruited by 48 oncology physicians randomly allocated to an intervention group (CIM consultation plus information leaflet) or a control group (information leaflet), received CIM information. Patient‐reported outcomes included satisfaction (Patient Satisfaction With Information on Cancer Treatment), readiness to make a decision (Preparation for Decision Making), and physician‐patient communication (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and Communication 26 [EORTC QLQ‐COMU26]) for the consultation. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a physician subsample. RESULTS: A total of 291 patients (128 in the intervention group and 169 in the control group) advised by 41 physicians participated. Patients in the intervention group rated physician‐patient communication higher on all EORTC QLQ‐COMU26 scales (mean total score, 84.3 [95% CI, 79.5‐89.2] vs 73.6 [95% CI, 69.3‐78.0]; P =.002), were more satisfied with the advice (mean, 4.2 [95% CI, 4.0‐4.4] vs 3.7 [95% CI, 3.5‐3.8]; P <.001), and were readier to make a decision (mean, 63.5 [95% CI, 57.4‐69.6] vs 53.2 [95% CI, 47.8‐58.7]; P =.016) than the control group. Physicians who reported patients in both settings seemed satisfied with the advice given. CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated a novel education intervention for training oncology physicians in providing CIM advice in routine care. Providing structured CIM consultations had positive effects on patient satisfaction, readiness to make decisions, and physician‐patient communication. This is the first study to implement and evaluate an evidence‐based complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) consultation in routine cancer treatment. Advising patients with cancer according to a structured, evidence‐based consultation manual has positive effects on patient satisfaction, preparation for decision‐making, and physician‐patient communication in comparison with only distributing an information leaflet about CIM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]