Application and use of herbal medicines by healthcare professionals in long-term care: A scoping review

Abstract

Concomitant use of herbal medicine and drugs is usual in older people. Setting-specific information on usage and application by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in long-term care is scarce. This scoping review aimed to identify the use and professional application of herbal medicine by HCPs in older people in long-term care. Guided by the framework from Arksey and O'Malley, a search was undertaken using four databases and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2014 and 2023 were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used for quality appraisal. Twelve studies were eligible for inclusion. Different herbal medicine products were studied. Disease-specific research on efficacy, effectiveness, and safety in eleven quantitative studies was predominant (cognitive dysfunction, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and insomnia). HCPs involved were physicians and nurses in different roles, frequently not explicitly differentiated. Further research is required, focusing on medication management, including herbal medicines by care-dependent persons and involved HCPs.