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Student nurses' perceptions of alternative and allopathic medicine
Ron Joudrey1, Sheila McKay, Jim Gough
1Red Deer College.
Western Journal of Nursing Research
|April 8, 2004
Summary
Student nurses perceive alternative and allopathic medicine as distinct, sometimes complementary, and often in conflict. These views impact future healthcare integration and collaboration between practitioners.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Integrative Medicine
- Healthcare Perceptions
Background:
- Understanding student nurses' views on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and allopathic medicine is crucial for future healthcare.
- Exploratory studies are needed to capture diverse perspectives on the relationship between these medical systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how student nurses conceptualize the relationship between allopathic (conventional) medicine and alternative medicine.
- To identify themes in student nurses' definitions of the CAM-allopathic medicine relationship.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory study utilizing an open-ended questionnaire administered to student nurses.
- Analysis of responses to a single question regarding the relationship between alternative and allopathic medicine.
Main Results:
- Three primary themes emerged: complete dissimilarity, potential for combined use, and interpersonal conflict between practitioners.
- Respondents expressed varied conceptualizations, highlighting perceived differences and potential synergies or antagonisms.
Conclusions:
- Student nurses' perceptions of the alternative-allopathic medicine relationship are multifaceted.
- These perceptions may influence future healthcare practices, interprofessional collaboration, and patient care models.
- Further research is warranted to explore these viewpoints and their implications for integrative healthcare.