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Spiritual complementary therapies in cancer care
1School of Nursing, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA. ejtaylor@sn.llu.edu
Objectives:
To review literature documenting the frequency of use and efficacy of spiritual complementary therapies. Implications for clinical practice and research that reflect this literature are offered.
Data Sources:
Data based research on complementary therapy usage and clinical articles about selected mind/body therapies.
Conclusion:
Spiritual complementary therapies are among the most frequently used. Prayer, spiritual healing, and meditation are the most frequently used spiritual therapies. Equivocal evidence supports their efficacy.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Although spiritual practices may not be considered a "therapy," clinicians should assess and support these practices. Clinicians should only pray with patients when observing ethical guidelines.
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