Nurses' attitudes towards complementary therapies

Abstract

The aim of this non-experimental quantitative study was to identify nurses' attitude towards complementary therapies, which is also known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Nurses' understanding, educational need and their interest to integrate complementary therapies were explored using quantitative research through a convenience sample of 50 staff nurses who work in local private hospital. Data were collected through self administered questionnaire. An 86% response rate was achieved. The findings support previous trends internationally. The mean age of the participants was 36 years. The majority of participants had been working in the nursing profession for more than 11 years. Eighty eight percent of the participants agreed that complementary therapies are mostly natural and non invasive, and 86% of the participants are aware that the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing worldwide by the general public. The majority of the respondents, (n=37) agreed that complementary therapies offer an alternative therapies to be used with conventional medicine. Most of the participants as well agreed that patients should discuss their use of CAM with their physicians. The majority of the respondents 81 % agreed that complementary therapies should be included in nursing curriculum and CAM should be offered by the National Health Service (NHS). The participants are also aware of the legal and professional issues related with these therapies, if they are to deliver such therapies themselves. Most of the participants thought CAM enhances wellbeing and used them personally while recommending them to others. Books, friends, and internet were their sources of knowledge about CAM. Participants emphasised as well the beneficial aspects from CAM if integrated in nursing curricula, where patients would benefit from it. However nurses should seek more knowledge and training before attempting to practice and recommend CAM to the patients. Recommendations in the light of the findings were drawn up so as to provide groundwork for future practice.