Complementary therapists' training and cancer care: a multi-site study.

PURPOSE To explore professional experience and training of complementary therapists working within cancer care. METHOD A Questionnaire survey of complementary therapists practising in three cancer care settings in North West England. RESULTS Respondents (n=51; n=47 female; mean age 50 years, range 23-78 years) had varied career backgrounds; 24 were healthcare professionals who also practised as complementary therapists (nurse n=19; physiotherapist n=3; doctor n=2) whilst 27 were complementary therapists with no prior healthcare background. Twenty-eight respondents reported working as therapists within a supportive and palliative care setting for over 6 years. Forty-seven respondents had undertaken healthcare-related continuing professional development in complementary therapies, although only just over half of the sample (n=27) had received cancer-specific training. Cancer-related complementary therapy training related to the adaptation of therapies and comprised predominantly short courses. There was a lack of standardisation in the training received, nor was it clear how many courses were accredited. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the need for standardisation of training for complementary therapy provision in cancer care and statutory review of continuing professional development within this emerging field.