Doctor Suzanne Grant

Doctor Suzanne Grant

Senior Research Fellow - Integrative Oncology,
NICM Health Research Institute

Biography

Dr Grant is a Senior Research Fellow at National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM). She also holds a Senior Research Fellow position at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, a major cancer hospital in Sydney.  She is currently investigating options and outcomes in integrative oncology, and integrative health care.  Her research program focuses on undertaking and facilitating research to inform clinical practice, and shape public health policy on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine to improve the well-being of all. 

Dr Grant has worked for over three decades in health-related fields in clinical practice, research, policy and education in government, hospital and university settings. She leads in research on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) for cancer. She has also spent much of my career working on developing research and research methods to build and assess evidence for TCIM. 

Her current and previous research demonstrates my expertise across a range of methods including reviews and clinical research, qualitative and quantitative.  She has expertise in scoping reviews, systematic reviews and umbrella reviews utilising Cochrane, JBI methods and risk of bias tools.  Current research in this area includes two scoping reviews of mushrooms and cancer which brings together partners in China, Korea and Japan, a scoping review of culturally adapted supportive cancer care programs and an integrative scoping review of multi-modal interventions for people living with advanced cancer. 

Her clinical research includes a range of TCIM interventions - including yoga, mindfulness, an acupuncture intervention for cancer related fatigue, and two other acupuncture studies. One of these studies examines how an intervention such as acupuncture can treat several cancer symptoms simultaneously – this study utilises a novel approach of multilevel modelling as a research method to address the complexity of this intervention.

Dr Grant has been an invited speaker at international forums including International Society for Complementary Medicine Reseach (2015, 2018, 2019), Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA), 2017; Integrative Oncology Symposium, Perth, 2017; European Congress for Integrative Medicine, Global Summit on Integrative Medicine and Healthcare, Denmark, 2015. She is currently a Temporary Advisor on Traditional medicine research for WHO South East Asian Regional Office (SEARO) and was an invited speaker at the SEARO traditional medicine group meeting in Jamnagar, India 2019.

Dr Grant is an Editorial Board Member of the Integrative Cancer Therapies journal and peer reviews for BMC Complementary Therapies, European Journal of Integrative Medicine, Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. She was a technical advisor to the Standards Australia Committees and Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee: ISO Working Group Traditional Chinese Medicine 2013-2016.  She is an appointed member of the COSA Integrative Medicines Executive Group and a member of the Western Sydney University External Advisory Committee for Chinese medicine programs.

She is a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner with over 20 years experience.

This information has been contributed by Doctor Grant.

Qualifications

  • PhD University of Western Sydney
  • BA University of Western Sydney

Professional Memberships

  • Society of Integrative Oncology (2014)
  • Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (2014 - 2014)
  • International Society of Complementary Medicine Research (2014)

Interests

  • Acupuncture
  • Cancer
  • Chinese Herbs
  • Health Service Delivery
  • Integrative Healthcare
  • Research Methodologies

Organisational Unit (School / Division)

  • NICM Health Research Institute

Contact

Email: S.Grant@westernsydney.edu.au
Phone:
(02) 9685 4747
Mobile:
0419126209
Location: J.1.66
Westmead

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Teaching

Previous Teaching Areas

  • 400421 Research Methods for Humanities and Social Sciences, 2017
  • 400568 Evidence Based Practice in Chinese Medicine 2, 2013
  • 400865 Evidence-Based Practice, 2016
  • 400870 Population Health and Society, 2017

Publications

Chapters in Books

  • Chang, D., Nammi, S. and Grant, S. (2012), 'Traditional understanding, modern science, and usage of herbal medicines for diabetes', Innovation in Healthy and Functional Foods, CRC Press 9781439862674.

Journal Articles

  • Gonzalez, M., Grant, S., de Manincor, M., Lacey, J. and Sarris, J. (2023), 'Cancer survivors' experiences, barriers and preferences with yoga : a cross-sectional survey to inform a yoga intervention', Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, vol 19, no 3 , pp 389 - 395.
  • Wong, E., Grant, S., Woo, H., Thanigasalam, R. and Walsh, S. (2023), 'A novel approach using electroacupuncture for erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy : a case report', Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, vol 19, no 5 , pp 768 - 771.
  • Grant, S., Gonzalez, M., Heller, G., Soliman, S., Spiegel, G. and Lacey, J. (2023), 'Knowledge and attitudes towards medicinal cannabis and complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) : a survey of healthcare professionals working in a cancer hospital in Australia', Supportive Care in Cancer, vol 31, no 12 .
  • Ee, C., Levett, K., Smith, C., Armour, M., Dahlen, H., Chopra, P., Maroun, P., Rao, V., Avard, N., Grant, S., Keedle, H., Armour, S., Arentz, S., Cave, A., Sutcliffe, K. and Templeman, K. (2022), 'Complementary medicines and therapies in clinical guidelines on pregnancy care : a systematic review', Women and Birth, vol 35, no 4 , pp 303 - 317.
  • Ee, C., Singleton, A., de Manincor, M., Elder, E., Davis, N., Mitchell, C., Dune, T., MacMillan, F., McBride, K. and Grant, S. (2022), 'A qualitative study exploring feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture, yoga, and mindfulness meditation for managing weight after breast cancer', Integrative Cancer Therapies, vol 21 , pp 1 - 15.
  • Fong, C., Alesi, S., Mousa, A., Moran, L., Deed, G., Grant, S., Tapia, K. and Ee, C. (2022), 'Efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements for glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes : an umbrella review and hierarchical evidence synthesis', Nutrients, vol 14, no 11 .
  • Grant, S., Spiegel, G., Brand, A., Kwon, K., Heller, G., Choi, V., Wong, E., Randle, L. and Lacey, J. (2022), 'Acupuncture and reflexology for patients undergoing chemotherapy : a cohort study', Integrative Cancer Therapies, vol 21 , pp 1 - 8.
  • Gonzalez, M., Pascoe, M., Yang, G., de Manincor, M., Grant, S., Lacey, J., Firth, J. and Sarris, J. (2021), 'Yoga for depression and anxiety symptoms in people with cancer : a systematic review and meta-analysis', Psycho-Oncology, vol 30, no 8 , pp 1196 - 1208.
  • Hunter, J., Grant, S., Delaney, G., Templeman, K., Ussher, J., Parton, C., Kellett, A. and Smith, C. (2021), 'Barriers and facilitators to integrative oncology services in Australia : a changed mind set required', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol 27, no Suppl. 1 , pp 89 - 98.
  • Grant, S., Kwon, K., Naehrig, D., Asher, R. and Lacey, J. (2021), 'Characteristics and symptom burden of patients accessing acupuncture services at a cancer hospital', Integrative Cancer Therapies, vol 20 , pp 1 - 9.
  • Naehrig, D., Dhillon, H., Asher, R., Grimison, P., Grant, S. and Lacey, J. (2021), 'Patient-reported outcome measures and supportive care need assessment in patients attending an Australian comprehensive care centre : a multi-method study', Supportive Care in Cancer, vol 29, no 9 , pp 5037 - 5046.
  • Yu, Z., Peng, R., Han, M., Grant, S., Yang, G., Liu, J. and Cao, H. (2021), 'Adjunctive effect of compound Kushen Injection to chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer : an evidence map and overview of systematic reviews', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol 281 .
  • Ee, C., Templeman, K., Grant, S., Ableson, N., de Manincor, M. and Hunter, J. (2020), 'Informing the model of care for an academic integrative healthcare centre : a qualitative study exploring healthcare consumer perspectives', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, vol 20, no 1 .
  • Hunter, J., Grant, S., Ee, C. and Templeman, K. (2020), 'What do medical specialists think about a proposed academic, integrative health centre in Australia? : a qualitative study', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, vol 53 .
  • Ee, C., Courten, B., Avard, N., de Manincor, M., Al-Dabbas, M., Hao, J., McBride, K., Dubois, S., White, R., Fleming, C., Egger, G., Blair, A., Stevens, J., MacMillan, F., Deed, G., Grant, S., Templeman, K. and Chang, D. (2020), 'Shared medical appointments and mindfulness for Type 2 diabetes : a mixed-methods feasibility study', Frontiers in Endocrinology, vol 11 .
  • Hunter, J., Grant, S., Delaney, G., Smith, C., Templeman, K. and Ussher, J. (2020), 'Hospital policies on complementary medicine : a cross-sectional survey of Australian cancer services', Medical Journal of Australia, vol 213, no 10 , pp 474 - 475.
  • Ee, C., Templeman, K., Grant, S., Avard, N., de Manincor, M., Reath, J. and Hunter, J. (2020), 'Informing the model of care for an Academic Integrative Health Care Center : a qualitative study of primary care stakeholder views', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol 26, no 4 , pp 300 - 315.
  • Grant, S., Marthick, M. and Lacey, J. (2019), 'Establishing an integrative oncology service in the Australian healthcare setting : the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Hospital experience', Supportive Care in Cancer, vol 27, no 6 , pp 2069 - 2076.
  • Grant, S., Hunter, J., Seely, D., Balneaves, L., Rossi, E. and Bao, T. (2019), 'Integrative oncology : international perspectives', Integrative Cancer Therapies, vol 18, no 1 , pp 1 - 11.
  • Hunter, J., Smith, C., Delaney, G., Templeman, K., Grant, S. and Ussher, J. (2019), 'Coverage of cancer services in Australia and providers' views on service gaps : findings from a national cross-sectional survey', BMC Cancer, vol 19, no 1 .
  • Lai, B., Cao, H., Yang, G., Jia, L., Grant, S., Fei, Y., Wong, E., Li, X., Yang, X. and Liu, J. (2019), 'Acupuncture for treatment of erectile dysfunction : a systematic review and meta-analysis', The World Journal of Men's Health, vol 37, no 3 , pp 322 - 338.
  • Grant, S., Hunter, J., Bensoussan, A. and Delaney, G. (2018), 'Guidance for establishing an integrative oncology service in the Australian healthcare setting : a discussion paper', Supportive Care in Cancer, vol 26, no 2 , pp 471 - 481.
  • Smith, C., Hunter, J., Delaney, G., Ussher, J., Templeman, K., Grant, S. and Oyston, E. (2018), 'Integrative oncology and complementary medicine cancer services in Australia : findings from a national cross-sectional survey', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol 18 .
  • Avard, N. and Grant, S. (2018), 'A case report of a novel, integrative approach to Hashimoto's thyroiditis with unexpected results', Advances in Integrative Medicine, vol 5, no 2 , pp 75 - 79.
  • Zhang, H., Zhang, H., Grant, S., Wan, X. and Li, G. (2018), 'Single herbal medicine for diabetic retinopathy (Review)', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol 2018, no 12 .
  • Klupp, N., Chang, D., Hawke, F., Kiat, H., Cao, H., Grant, S. and Bensoussan, A. (2015), 'Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors (Review)', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol 2 .
  • Grant, S., Smith, C., De Silva, N. and Su, C. (2015), 'Defining the quality of acupuncture : the case of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue', Integrative Cancer Therapies, vol 14, no 3 , pp 258 - 270.
  • Grant, S., Frawley, J. and Bensoussan, A. (2015), 'Process of care in outpatient integrative healthcare facilities : a systematic review of clinical trials', BMC Health Services Research, vol 15, no 1 .
  • Su, C., Wang, L., Grant, S. and Liu, J. (2014), 'Chinese herbal medicine for cancer-related fatigue : a systematic review of randomized clinical trials', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, vol 22, no 3 , pp 567 - 579.
  • Taylor, P., Pezzullo, L., Grant, S. and Bensoussan, A. (2014), 'Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic nonspecific low back pain', Pain Practice, vol 14, no 7 , pp 599 - 606.
  • Grant, S. and Bensoussan, A. (2014), 'The process of care in integrative health care settings : a qualitative study of US practices', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol 14 .
  • Witt, C., Rafferty Withers, S., Grant, S., Lauer, M., Tunis, S. and Berman, B. (2014), 'What can comparative effectiveness research contribute to integrative health in international perspective?', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol 20, no 11 , pp 874 - 880.
  • Grant, S., Schnyer, R., Chang, D., Fahey, P. and Bensoussan, A. (2013), 'Interrater reliability of Chinese medicine diagnosis in people with prediabetes', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol 2013 , pp 1 - 8.
  • Grant, S., Chang, D., Liu, J., Wong, V., Kiat, H. and Bensoussan, A. (2013), 'Chinese herbal medicine for impaired glucose tolerance : a randomized placebo controlled trial', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol 13, no 1 , pp 104 - 113.
  • Smith, C., Crowther, C. and Grant, S. (2013), 'Acupuncture for induction of labour', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol 8 .
  • Liu, Z., Xie, L., Zhu, J., Li, G., Grant, S. and Liu, J. (2013), 'Herbal medicines for fatty liver diseases', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol 8 , pp 1 - 249.
  • Smith, C., Grant, S., Lyttleton, J. and Cochrane, S. (2012), 'Using a Delphi consensus process to develop an acupuncture treatment protocol by consensus for women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol 12 .
  • Grant, S., Bin, Y., Kiat, H. and Chang, D. (2012), 'The use of complementary and alternative medicine by people with cardiovascular disease : a systematic review', BMC Public Health, vol 12 , pp 1 - 9.
  • Kiat, H., Bin, Y., Grant, S. and Chang, D. (2011), 'Complementary Medicine Use in Cardiovascular Disease: A Clinician's Viewpoint.', The Medical Journal of Australia, vol 195, no 11 , pp 654 - 656.
  • Grant, S., Bensoussan, A., Chang, D., Kiat, H., Klupp, N., Liu, J. and Li, X. (2009), 'Chinese herbal medicines for people with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting blood glucose', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol 4 , pp 1 - 106.
  • Klupp, N., Chang, D., Hawke, F., Kiat, H., Grant, S. and Bensoussan, A. (2008), 'Ganoderma lucidum for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, , no 3 .
  • Grant, S., Bensoussan, A., Chang, D., Kiat, H., Klupp, N. and Liu, J. (2007), 'Chinese herbal medicines for people with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting blood glucose dysmenorrhoea (protocol)', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol 2007, no 3 , pp 1 - 17.

Other Publications

  • 2017, 'Integrative Oncology in Australia 2016: Mapping Service Provision and Exploring Unmet Needs', Report

Dr Grant's research program focuses on undertaking and facilitating research to inform clinical practice, and shape public health policy on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine to improve the well-being of all. 

Program 1: Increasing equity of access to well-being and supportive care for people with cancer

Projects include: 

Supporting Women from CALD Backgrounds with Cancer:  To meet the needs of women with cancer from Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic backgrounds, this tailored stepped supportive care program addresses side effects of treatment, promotes healthy lifestyle and self-management as women exit the hospital and transition to community-based care. The aim of this project is to deliver co-designed, culturally safe community-led supportive care to women living with cancer who are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds (specifically Vietnamese, Arabic and Chinese). Study design: Mixed methods. Partners: CINSW, CanRevive, Westmead BCI, COBLH, Uni of Wollongong, USyd Funding: Cancer Australia Role: Principal Investigator

  • USyd Funding: Cancer Australia Role: Principal Investigator. 

Program 2: Mushrooms and cancer

Projects include:

  • Scoping reviews to understand the scope of research that has been undertaken to examine the effectiveness and safety of different types of mushrooms and mushroom extracts in people with breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Partners: Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and researchers based in Korea and Japan. Role: Joint Principal Investigator.
  • A qualitative study to explore the perceptions of people with life-threatening cancer and psych-oncologists, palliative and supportive care providers on existential distress, and beliefs and attitudes to psilocybin therapy; and explore healthcare models for the delivery of psilocybin therapy. Partners: COBLH, Peter Mac, and people with cancer. Role: Principal Investigator
  • Understanding the use of complementary therapies, including cannabis, mushrooms and psilocybin, in people with cancer through a cross-sectional national survey. This research will assist in understanding complementary therapy use during and after active cancer treatment in the Australian context and provide guidance that may be used to educate people with cancer and healthcare providers involved in cancer care. Partners: researchers, pharmacists and clinicians from Adem Crosby Cancer Centre, Queensland; USyd; Cancer Voices NSW; Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Westmead BCI; Southern Cross University; Shine a Light support group for Gay / Bi-sexual / Trans Cancer. Role: Principal Investigator 

This information has been contributed by Doctor Grant.

Current Projects

Title: Supportive care for people from vulnerable communities
Funder:
  • Dry July Foundation
Western Researchers: Carolyn Ee and Suzanne Grant
Years: 2023-01-04 - 2024-10-15
ID: P00028452

Supervision

Current Supervision

Thesis Title: Evaluation of an individualised yoga intervention in cancer patients with major depression
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: Electro acupuncture for improving erectile dysfunction after robot assissted radical prostatecomy. A randomised controlled trial
Field of Research:
Thesis Title: ACUPUNCTURE FOR TREATING A SYMPTOM CLUSTER (PAIN,FATIGUE, SLEEP AND NEUROPATHY) FOR WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER: A FEASIBILITY STUDY
Field of Research:

Previous Supervision

Thesis Title: Exploring the effect of yoga on depression and anxiety in people with cancer: A mixed methods investigation
Field of Research:

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