Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Nursing Care

Abstract

The use of Complementary therapies and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in nursing care has increased in popularity in recent years, both with patients and nurses. Due to this increase in clinical use, nurses, midwives and health visitors should be familiar with the types of complementary therapy used most commonly in the professional setting, as well as having some knowledge of their potential. As there is a lack of research based evidence for each therapy, this may create problems for inclusion in clinical practice. It is also useful for nurses to know where to obtain information about a range of other therapies that patients might be using independently. CAM includes therapies such as acupuncture, dietary supplements, reflexology, yoga, massage, chiropractic services, Reiki, and aromatherapy. Many CAM therapies focus on the concept of energy. The literature describes the use of CAM in individuals with neurological diseases such as dementias, multiple sclerosis, neuropathies, spinal cord injury, and epilepsy. Nurses have a unique opportunity to provide services that facilitate wholeness. They need to understand all aspects of CAM, including costs, patient knowledge, and drug interactions, if they are to promote holistic strategies for patients seeking to achieve a higher quality of life.