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Complementary therapies: what is the evidence for their use?
J Richardson1, C Jones, K Pilkington
1School of Integrated Health, University of Westminster.
Professional Nurse (London, England)
|May 28, 2002
Summary
Patients and healthcare professionals increasingly use complementary therapies without knowing the evidence. The internet can help assess information, but nurses must verify treatment effectiveness and warn patients about risks.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Healthcare Informatics
Background:
- Complementary therapies are widely used by patients and healthcare professionals.
- There is often limited awareness regarding the scientific evidence supporting these therapies.
- The internet presents a readily accessible platform for information on complementary medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing use of complementary therapies.
- To emphasize the need for evidence-based assessment of these treatments.
- To underscore the role of nurses in guiding patients on complementary therapy use.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on complementary therapy usage.
- Assessment of the internet as a resource for evaluating therapy evidence.
- Discussion of the implications for nursing practice.
Main Results:
- Increasing adoption of complementary therapies by patients and professionals.
- The internet serves as a significant, accessible information source.
- A critical need exists for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to evaluate the evidence base for complementary therapies.
Conclusions:
- Nurses must be knowledgeable about the efficacy and safety of complementary therapies.
- Healthcare professionals should guide patients to reliable information sources.
- Informed decision-making regarding complementary therapies is crucial for patient safety and outcomes.