Complementary therapies in nursing & midwifery最新文献

Over the past 8 years the number of full time, Complementary Therapies degree courses provided within UK Universities has increased from less than five to currently almost one hundred. In addition, the developments within the Further Education and private sector have added to the increase in provision. With so many different courses on offer, finding the most suitable, quality course is becoming a challenge for applicants. Course titles provide little insight into the philosophy, nature and quality of provision while details within an institute's prospectus or web site frequently do not clearly identify distinguishing features.

Key characteristics of quality provision to look for in a course in complementary therapies are discussed. Aspects considered include: the type of institute, modes of study, which therapy and its current regulation, the skills development and clinical experience opportunities, the balance of subjects within a course, the experience of the teaching team and their research activities. Discussion is included of the need for adequate quality assurance procedures to ensure courses evolve to continue to meet the needs of those entering the rapidly developing profession. The relationship of the provider and the appropriate professional bodies is also discussed.

A summary of aspects to consider when looking for a comprehensive, quality course has been provided in Table 2.

The complementary therapy team at the Christie Hospital has won a highly prestigious national Prince of Wales award. The award is for ‘Good Practice in Integrated Healthcare’ and applauds the hospital for including complementary therapies as part of patient care at the Christie. His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales presented The Prince of Wales Foundation for Integrated Healthcare Award to Christie staff at Lambeth Hospital in London on the11th December 2003 (see picture). The Gateway Clinic at Lambeth Hospital jointly won the award (reference here to a future publication). The Christie Hospital started providing complementary therapies 7 years ago, and the service has greatly expanded in the last 3 years. Patients can choose a complementary therapy treatment in addition to their medical treatment. A 15-strong complementary therapy team provides back and head massages, reflexology and other treatments. The paper reports on the various aspects of the project, identifying who leads each part and how it is being developed and evaluated.

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Due to the natural aging processes, older people are particularly susceptible to a range of chronic health conditions. However, despite that research has indicated that chronic health conditions and disability act as reliable predictors of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) use, despite research evidence that older people are significant consumers of CAM, and regardless of the potential for CAM to enhance successful aging, reduce frailty, and increase independence and quality of life in older persons, older people's use of CAM therapies remains under-researched. This paper reviews what existing research literature is there on CAM use in older age; considers rates of and potential for use, features of and barriers to use, and economic, effectiveness and safety issues. From these beginnings, outlined is a wide-ranging research agenda on CAM and older people.

Background: The primary treatment of choice for venous leg ulceration (VLU) is compression therapy, however serious clinical issues demand the development of new treatments. An extract believed to promote VLU healing is Horsechestnut Seed Extract (HCSE).

Methods: The clinical feasibility of HCSE in VLU was explored in a two-stage design. The second stage presented here, was a descriptive survey exploring current opinion and utilisation of natural therapies, venotonics and HCSE in VLU. A questionnaire mailed to 122 district nurses, 73 medical practitioners (MPs) and 53 clients with VLU resulted in a response rate of 32, 31.5 and 81 per cent, respectively.

Results: Natural therapy and HCSE use for VLU was minimal in all groups. Half of all groups supported venotonics, with a similar proportion of nurses and clients utilising venotonics in practice. MPs were however less likely to utilise venotonics for VLU.

Conclusion: Whilst clinicians indicate that clinical evidence may influence the utilisation of HCSE in clinical practice, the evidence currently does not exist. Positive findings from well-designed trials may ameliorate the integration of natural medicine into mainstream practice.