BSIO Symposium @SIO Europe 2025

On 22nd June in Oxford, BSIO hosted a symposium Workshop ‘Overcoming Barriers to Integration in UK Integrative Oncology’.

This 2.5-hour 3-part interactive workshop, chaired by Professor Rob Thomas, with individual session chairs - Aga Kehinde, Dr Elizabeth Thompson and Dr Catherine Zollman, brought together a series of experts in integrative oncology to explore the challenges and opportunities for embedding integrative services within UK healthcare systems. The format included short presentations followed by structured group discussions focused on three core themes:

Funding and commissioning models for sustainable services:

This session focussed on a number of key questions to include why we need integration and why joint oncology/integrative posts are a good idea, what are the routes to arrange funding, are charitable models or commissioned services more effective, and is mainstream commissioning the only route to true integration?

The role of research and evidence in advancing uptake and credibility:

In this second session, each speaker shared unique insights: Eileen Hackman covered research at the Christie, including Havening work. Mandy Brass discussed her acupuncture service growth at Guys and St Thomas's, focusing on integration and data. Dr Beverley de Valois highlighted her legacy at Mount Vernon, emphasising guidelines and safety recommendations. Prof Rob Thomas presented nutrient rich food products designed for colleague integration. Finally, Dr Marie Polley discussed 'Making Integrative Oncology Business as Usual in the NHS,' addressing healthcare change themes.

Improving communication and collaboration across care pathways and professions:

In this third session, Kim Wilcox provided an example of collaboration/integration in dietetic and nutritional support for people with cancer in the Bristol area. John Bennett offered a patient perspective on what is working well and what could be working better regarding Integrative Oncology from a communication and navigation perspective. Prof Rob Thomas offered an oncologists' perspective; the challenges busy oncologists face when considering how IO approaches might fit alongside their treatment and potential solutions.