Abstract
Introduction:
The authors compared the availability of integrative medicine therapies in National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and community hospitals.
Methods:
The authors reviewed 51 Comprehensive Cancer Center and 100 community hospital websites and collected race and median household income data for community hospital populations.
Results:
Availability of acupuncture (56% vs. 76.5%, p = 0.01), meditation (63% vs. 82.4%, p = 0.02), and music therapy (55% vs. 74.5%, p = 0.02) was significantly lower at community hospitals compared with Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Integrative medicine availability was also significantly lower in community hospitals serving lower-income populations.
Conclusion:
Equitable access to evidence-based integrative medicine in community hospitals is needed.
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