Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Integrative Medicine
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Rising use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) across adult age groups, including the elderly.
• Many herbal and biologic preparations have unproven benefits and are unregulated by agencies like the FDA.
• CAM use in assisted living communities (ALCs) is often a hidden practice, with 5%-9% of residents using herbal remedies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of CAM modalities in older adults.
• To explore the challenges faced by assisted living nurses regarding resident CAM use.
• To propose strategies for nurses to respectfully collaborate with residents on CAM interests.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on the efficacy and safety of common CAM modalities.
• Analysis of regulatory status and prescribing practices for CAM.
• Discussion of ethical and practical considerations for nurses in ALCs.

Main Results:

• The efficacy and safety of many CAM products remain largely unproven.
• Nurses face a dilemma as CAM is not prescribed by physicians but considered medication by licensure.
• Residents and families may use contraindicated CAM, posing risks unknown to nursing staff.

Conclusions:

• Assisted living nurses require guidance and support to address resident CAM use effectively and safely.
• Collaboration between nurses, residents, and families is crucial for respectful and informed CAM integration.
• Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for CAM in older adult care settings.