Use of complementary and alternative medications by surgical patients

Complementary and alternative medication (CAM) use is increasing in popularity across the United States. Not surprisingly, health care providers' encounters with patients who use these medications are increasing as well. The manufacturing and production of CAM are not strictly regulated in contrast to prescription and other over-the-counter medications. As such, it is difficult for health care providers to assess the likelihood of side effects, toxic effects, or drug-drug interactions in the perianesthesia period. Additionally, many patients and providers are unaware of the many complications and drug interactions associated with CAMs. This study explored CAM use in ambulatory surgical patients at a metropolitan, level 1 trauma center in the Southeast. Five hundred patients were randomly surveyed regarding CAM use during the 2 weeks before their surgical procedure. The frequency of CAM use was assessed and tabulated in relationship to potential pharmacodynamic effects and interactions, such as sedation, coagulation, blood pressure effects, cardiac effects, electrolyte alterations, and potential drug interactions. Descriptive statistics were used to assess gender, age, education, ethnicity, and surgery type. This study found that during the 2 weeks before surgery, 208 patients (42.7%) consumed CAMs. Ninety-two patients (19.8%) took CAMS that inhibit coagulation. Seventy patients (14.4%) used CAMs that affect blood pressure, and 36 patients (7.4%) used CAMs with cardiac effects. Thirty-nine patients (8%) consumed CAMs with sedative effects. The results of this study will assist perianesthesia nurses in patient education, preanesthesia patient assessment, and perianesthesia care planning.