Integrating Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Nutritional Care for Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives

Background The integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western nutritional therapy has gained increasing attention in oncology care. However, qualitative insights into healthcare professionals’ (HCPs’) experiences with implementing this integrative approach remain limited, particularly regarding interdisciplinary collaboration challenges and training needs in real-world settings. Objective To explore the lived experiences of multidisciplinary HCPs involved in delivering integrative nutritional care that combines TCM and Western medicine to cancer patients in China. Methods This study employed a descriptive phenomenological design. Sixteen HCPs—including physicians, nurses, and dietitians—were purposively recruited from tertiary hospitals in Fuzhou (2023) until thematic saturation was reached. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method, supported by NVivo 12.0. Analytical rigor was ensured through triangulation and member checking. Results Four major themes emerged: ⑴ Professional fulfillment coexisting with stress – Participants experienced enhanced professional identity and self-efficacy through integrative care, while also reporting stress due to knowledge limitations, interdisciplinary demands, and expectations for individualized guidance. ⑵ Patient adherence as a determinant of effectiveness – The success of nutritional interventions was closely linked to patients’ adherence, which was shaped by health literacy, cultural beliefs, and family involvement. ⑶ Professional training and knowledge sharing – There was a shared call for structured, standardized, and cross-disciplinary training, along with the dissemination of successful clinical strategies. ⑷ Expectations for integrated and supportive systems – Participants emphasized the need for digital integration, supportive policy frameworks, and sustained institutional support to advance and normalize TCM–Western integrative practice. Conclusion While integrative nutritional management provides synergistic benefits in oncology care, its effective implementation requires structured interprofessional training, culturally adapted models, and technology-enhanced systems. These findings underscore the necessity of developing scalable frameworks aligned with global movements toward personalized, collaborative cancer care.