Related Experiment Videos
Complementary therapies: an adjunct to traditional therapies
The Nurse Practitioner
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Many Americans use complementary therapies, spending significant out-of-pocket money. Nurse practitioners (NPs) can educate patients and integrate these beneficial alternative treatments into their practices.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Complementary Therapies
- Holistic Health
Background:
- Growing public interest in complementary therapies alongside conventional medicine.
- Significant out-of-pocket expenditure by Americans on alternative treatments.
- Limitations of traditional medicine in curing all ailments drive patients to seek alternatives.
Discussion:
- Complementary therapies offer effective solutions for specific health complaints.
- Consumers often lack adequate knowledge regarding available alternative options.
- Nurse practitioners (NPs) are uniquely positioned to guide public use of these therapies.
Key Insights:
- NPs can monitor and educate patients on complementary therapy use.
- NPs can integrate evidence-based alternative therapies into their practice.
- Therapies like Chinese herbs, homeopathy, massage, biofeedback, and therapeutic touch show promise.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to expand the integration of diverse complementary therapies.
- NPs can play a crucial role in bridging conventional and alternative healthcare.
- Potential for improved patient outcomes through evidence-based complementary care.