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Nurse practitioners' role in complementary and alternative medicine: active or passive?
1University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing, USA. ecattell@sonnet.ucla.edu
Nursing Forum
|December 14, 1999
Summary
Nurse practitioners (NPs) should actively evaluate and integrate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies into their practice. This approach enhances patient care by considering diverse treatment options within conventional medicine.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Healthcare delivery
- Nursing practice
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are increasingly influential in US healthcare.
- Conventional medicine is gradually assessing and incorporating CAM.
- The role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in this integration requires definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore arguments for and against NPs taking an active role in evaluating and integrating CAM.
- To propose a defined role for NPs in managing the impact of CAM on clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current practices.
- Analysis of the potential benefits and challenges of NP involvement in CAM integration.
- Discussion of ethical and practical considerations.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests an active role for NPs can improve patient outcomes and healthcare quality.
- Barriers to active NP participation include lack of training and institutional support.
- Defining a clear scope of practice is crucial for effective CAM integration by NPs.
Conclusions:
- NPs are well-positioned to play an active role in evaluating and integrating CAM therapies.
- An active NP role can bridge conventional and alternative medicine, leading to more holistic patient care.
- Further research and education are needed to support NPs in this evolving area of practice.