Evaluating the effects of complementary health practices on cancer and epilepsy patients
Evaluation of Integrative and Complementary Practices in Health (PICS)
This study is testing if a special hands-on healing practice can improve the mental and physical health of people with cancer and epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal do Triangulo Mineiro Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Uberaba, Minas Gerais) |
| Trial ID | NCT04152109 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of integrative and complementary health practices, specifically the laying on of hands with spiritual connection, on the mental and physical health of cancer and epilepsy patients. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, participants will be recruited from health professionals and the community, and will undergo a series of assessments before and after the intervention. The study aims to assess changes in quality of life and health outcomes through questionnaires and, when necessary, blood collection.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and over who are diagnosed with cancer receiving chemotherapy or have a clinical diagnosis of focal epilepsy.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, unable to understand the questionnaires, or those who do not attend the required therapy sessions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new insights into the benefits of complementary therapies for improving the quality of life in patients with cancer and epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using spiritual practices in health care is gaining interest, this specific study's methodology is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cancer patients: diagnosis of neoplasia receiving parenteral chemotherapy. * Epileptic patients: clinical diagnosis of focal epilepsy Exclusion Criteria: * Cancer patients: pregnant women, unable to understand the questionnaires; non-attendance of 3 sessions of therapy application and refusal to sign the consent form. * Epileptic patients: people unable to understand the questionnaires; non-attendance of 3 sessions of therapy application and refusal to sign the consent form, as well as special groups (pregnant women, newly diagnosed epilepsy).
Where this trial is running
Uberaba, Minas Gerais
- Núcleo de Praticas Integrativas e Complementares — Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.