INNV-54. Benefit of Group Medical Visits focused on Integrative Approaches for Patients with Primary Brain Tumors

Abstract BACKGROUND While integrative approaches for common cancers have been well described, little research has focused on integrative approaches or strategies to implement integrative approaches to support patients with brain tumors. With evidence supporting the impact of integrative strategies including exercise, nutrition and mind body approaches on outcomes including survival, developing effective strategies to facilitate implementation of evidence based integrative approaches alongside conventional care is critical. METHODS Since 2020, our high-volume Brain Tumor Center has offered a three-part group medical visit series focused on integrative approaches for patients with brain tumors twice yearly. Topics included cancer nutrition, exercise, appropriate use of dietary supplements, stress management and mindfulness practices. These interactive sessions were initially led by an Integrative Oncologist and certified health coach and later included specialists in oncology nutrition and neuropsychology. The sessions included development of actionable health-related goals. RESULTS The series has been offered seven times since 2020, and 79 patients have participated. Patients have rated the series highly and highlighted the usefulness of educational content and the sense of community fostered by group medical visits. Additionally, 100% of patients strongly agreed that the information presented was helpful, and all patients either agreed or strongly agreed that the goal-setting component was beneficial. 88% of patients reported at least one area of lifestyle change including improved nutrition, increased activity or movement or initiating mindfulness practices following the series with 71% of patients reporting increased activity or movement, 65% reporting changes to their nutrition and 59% of patients initiating a mindfulness-based practice. CONCLUSIONS This group medical visit series focused on integrative approaches for patients with brain tumors has been well-received. Participation has resulted in lifestyle changes in nutrition, activity/movement and mindfulness-based practices, supporting the call for evaluating clinical effects of structured group medical visits in a prospective manner.