Oncology nurses' perspectives on unconventional therapies

Fitch, Margaret I.; Gray, Ross E.; Greenberg, Marlene; Douglas, Margaret; Labrecque, Manon; Pavlin, Peggi; Gabel, Nancy; Freedhoff, Sandra

doi:10.1097/00002820-199902000-00016

Cited by 21 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…These results are also consistent with other surveys in which nurses had positive attitudes about mind-body therapies, were already using one or more of them, and wanted additional training [49-53]. For example, many critical care nurses personally used relaxation therapy (87%), therapeutic touch (83%), prayer (84%), and meditation (63%), and were interested in additional training [50].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Nurses' experiences, expectations, and preferences for mind-body practices to reduce stress

Kemper

Bulla

Krueger

et al. 2011

BMC Complement Altern Med

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BackgroundMost research on the impact of mind-body training does not ask about participants' baseline experience, expectations, or preferences for training. To better plan participant-centered mind-body intervention trials for nurses to reduce occupational stress, such descriptive information would be valuable.MethodsWe conducted an anonymous email survey between April and June, 2010 of North American nurses interested in mind-body training to reduce stress. The e-survey included: demographic characteristics, health conditions and stress levels; experiences with mind-body practices; expected health benefits; training preferences; and willingness to participate in future randomized controlled trials.ResultsOf the 342 respondents, 96% were women and 92% were Caucasian. Most (73%) reported one or more health conditions, notably anxiety (49%); back pain (41%); GI problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (34%); or depression (33%). Their median occupational stress level was 4 (0 = none; 5 = extreme stress). Nearly all (99%) reported already using one or more mind-body practices to reduce stress: intercessory prayer (86%), breath-focused meditation (49%), healing or therapeutic touch (39%), yoga/tai chi/qi gong (34%), or mindfulness-based meditation (18%). The greatest expected benefits were for greater spiritual well-being (56%); serenity, calm, or inner peace (54%); better mood (51%); more compassion (50%); or better sleep (42%). Most (65%) wanted additional training; convenience (74% essential or very important), was more important than the program's reputation (49%) or scientific evidence about effectiveness (32%) in program selection. Most (65%) were willing to participate in a randomized trial of mind-body training; among these, most were willing to collect salivary cortisol (60%), or serum biomarkers (53%) to assess the impact of training.ConclusionsMost nurses interested in mind-body training already engage in such practices. They have greater expectations about spiritual and emotional than physical benefits, but are willing to participate in studies and to collect biomarker data. Recruitment may depend more on convenience than a program's scientific basis or reputation. Knowledge of participants' baseline experiences, expectations, and preferences helps inform future training and research on mind-body approaches to reduce stress.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Nurses' experiences, expectations, and preferences for mind-body practices to reduce stress

Kemper

Bulla

Krueger

et al. 2011

BMC Complement Altern Med

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“…As with all accepted nursing interventions, the nurse must fully understand the known indications, contraindications, anticipated outcomes, side effects, adverse effects, and that the nurse is able to assess for and manage side effects/adverse effects, and monitor outcomes. [27585960] Some oncology nurses working in cancer centers in Canada deliver CAM therapies such as therapeutic touch, relaxation, and mindfulness strategies. These nurses have received specialized training, have demonstrated initial and ongoing competency, and practice that CAM therapy within their Registered Nurse scope of practice and according to their organizational policies and procedures.…”

Section: Oncology Nurses: Positioned To Address the Gaps?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating complementary and alternative medicine into cancer care: Canadian oncology nurses′ perspectives

Truant

Balneaves

Fitch

2015

Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing

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The integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional cancer care in Canada is in its nascent stages. While most patients use CAM during their cancer experience, the majority does not receive adequate support from their oncology health care professionals (HCPs) to integrate CAM safely and effectively into their treatment and care. A variety of factors influence this lack of integration in Canada, such as health care professional(HCP) education and attitudes about CAM; variable licensure, credentialing of CAM practitioners, and reimbursement issues across the country; an emerging CAM evidence base; and models of cancer care that privilege diseased-focused care at the expense of whole person care. Oncology nurses are optimally aligned to be leaders in the integration of CAM into cancer care in Canada. Beyond the respect afforded to oncology nurses by patients and family members that support them in broaching the topic of CAM, policies, and position statements exist that allow oncology nurses to include CAM as part of their scope. Oncology nurses have also taken on leadership roles in clinical innovation, research, education, and advocacy that are integral to the safe and informed integration of evidence-based CAM therapies into cancer care settings in Canada.

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“…Collaboration between nurses and complementary therapists would be an excellent strategy for integration of complementary therapies into conventional health care (Fitch et al, 1999;Patterson, 2000). A team approach would give providers from different health paradigms opportunities to apply their expertise.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary therapy practice: defining the role of advanced nurse practitioners

Patterson

Kaczorowski

Arthur

et al. 2003

Journal of Clinical Nursing

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The purpose of the study was to identify the current and perceived clinical role functions of advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) within the complementary health paradigm and their learning needs. Participants were asked to identify their referral practices to complementary practitioners, current and perceived clinical activities with respect to six most popular complementary therapies, learning needs and concerns regarding their use. A random sample of 389 ANPs registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario participated in a mailed survey using a modified Dillman approach, an established method for improving response rate through repeated mailings. An overall response rate of 55.3% (215 out of 389 eligible participants) was achieved. The results show that ANPs are currently engaged in clinical activities involving these therapies, with a trend towards more participation in assessing the need for them and counselling on the risks and benefits. ANPs are interested in validating the use of these therapies and acquiring more knowledge on the scientific principles, evidence of efficacy, pharmacology and potential interactions with conventional medicine.

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Oncology nurses' perspectives on unconventional therapies

Cited by 21 publications

References 5 publications

Nurses' experiences, expectations, and preferences for mind-body practices to reduce stress

Nurses' experiences, expectations, and preferences for mind-body practices to reduce stress

Integrating complementary and alternative medicine into cancer care: Canadian oncology nurses′ perspectives

Complementary therapy practice: defining the role of advanced nurse practitioners

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