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Alternative and complementary therapies: integration into cancer care
1University of Phoenix, USA.
Summary
Cancer patients and caregivers use complementary therapies and expect nurses to be knowledgeable. Integrating these therapies into conventional care can improve symptom management and overall well-being.
Area of Science:
- Oncology nursing
- Integrative medicine
- Complementary and alternative therapies
Background:
- Cancer survivors and their caregivers increasingly utilize complementary and alternative therapies (CATs).
- There is an expectation for nurses to possess knowledge regarding these therapies.
- CATs are used to manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing use of CATs by cancer patients and caregivers in the workplace.
- To emphasize the need for nursing education on various CATs.
- To propose strategies for integrating CATs into conventional healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on complementary and alternative therapies in cancer care.
- Analysis of patient and caregiver expectations regarding nursing knowledge of CATs.
- Identification of strategies for implementing integrative healthcare models.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, herbal preparations, imagery, and Therapeutic Touch are among the commonly used CATs.
- These therapies can potentially alleviate cancer-related symptoms and treatment adverse effects.
- Workplace settings are a context where these therapies are being utilized.
Conclusions:
- Nurses require education on CATs to meet patient and caregiver needs.
- Strategies such as staff training and updated assessment forms can facilitate integration.
- An ideal healthcare system incorporates CATs alongside conventional medical treatments.