Complementary therapies and nursing research: issues and practicalities

This paper explores the issues which nurses face in attempting to use research-based literature and when conducting research in the field of complementary therapies. Despite the significant interest amongst nurses in using such therapies, there can be difficulties in gaining access to such literature and using it to inform practice. Rising standards of accountability create expectations for nurses to draw on sources of information which inform safe and effective practice. The issue is examined and illustrated by looking at the example of nurses use of essential oils. Strategies are explored to help nurses to practice in an informed way and to engage in research activity in this area. This article is based on a paper given at the Research Council for Complementary Medicine Conference 'Research from Concept to Publication', at the Royal Society of Medicine, London 1993.