Sharma, Shubhangi

ABSTRACTBackgroundComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage among childhood cancer patients remains understudied. Factors associated with CAM use and motivations of caregivers for using CAM remain poorly understood.MethodsThis cross‐sectional mixed‐methods study was conducted among caregivers of patients aged ≤18 years with confirmed cancer diagnoses. Caregivers were interviewed regarding CAM use, reasons for using/non‐using CAM, and views on CAM. Logistic regression identified factors associated with CAM use, whereas qualitative interviews explored motivations and barriers. The impact of CAM usage on 2‐year overall survival was explored.ResultsOut of 450 respondents, CAM usage was reported by 35.78% (n = 161), with home remedies (28.44%, n = 128) and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga, Homeopathy) therapies (13.56%, n = 61) being most common. CAM use was associated with symptom duration ≥30 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.09–2.67; p = 0·019) and hematological malignancies (aOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.33–3.17; p = 0·001). Major motivations for CAM use included belief in effectiveness (44.72%, n = 72) and family recommendations (34.16%, n = 55). Qualitative interviews highlighted cost, accessibility issues, and diagnostic delays as key drivers of CAM adoption. The 2‐year survival probabilities of CAM users and nonusers were comparable (0.88 [95% CI: 0.83–0.94] vs. 0.87 [95% CI: 0.83–0.92], log‐rank p = 0.75).ConclusionCAM is frequently used by pediatric cancer patients, driven by caregiver beliefs, family influence, and access barriers. Addressing caregiver practices and integrating CAM discussions into care may enhance supportive strategies without impacting survival outcomes.

ABSTRACTBackgroundWhile teleconsultation has proven feasible for adult cancer patients, its utility in childhood cancer care in India is unknown. This study assesses caregiver satisfaction, feasibility, and the economic impact of teleconsultation for children with cancer.ProcedureThis mixed methods study was conducted in the pediatric cancer outpatient service at a tertiary care cancer center in India. Routine care teleconsultations were performed via telephone or email. Caregivers who received teleconsultations during the study period or 6 months prior were interviewed by phone. Data collected included demographic details, teleconsultation usage patterns, caregiver satisfaction, reasons for satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and cost savings. Logistic regression identified baseline characteristics associated with satisfaction. In‐depth interviews were conducted in a separate cohort till thematic saturation.ResultsCaregivers of 465 children were included for telephonic and eight for in‐depth interviews Among the respondents, 72.8% (n = 339) were satisfied with teleconsultation, and 85.4% (n = 397) of those planned to continue using it. Significant reasons for satisfaction were cost and time savings, while difficulty explaining issues caused dissatisfaction. Multivariable analysis showed parental education above high school [OR: 1.59, p = 0.035] increased satisfaction likelihood, while a residential distance of greater than 100 km from the hospital [OR: 0.62, p = 0.033] decreased it. Median cost savings per visit was $24.2 (range: $1–$846). Cost savings did not determine satisfaction magnitude. Frequently cited themes included cost and time savings and the need for literacy to benefit from teleconsultation.ConclusionsTeleconsultation is feasible and effective for routine childhood cancer care, even in resource‐constrained settings.