Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies: A Pilot Survey

Meeting patient expectations in relation to pain management is an essential component of palliative and end-of-life care. However, previous research has demonstrated that pain is highly prevalent, especially during the four months prior to death. Poorly controlled pain contributes to cognitive failure, depression and an inability to complete daily activities. Unfortunately, pain and symptom management are often inadequate for patients placed in hospice care. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perspectives of hospice nurses on complementary and alternative therapies to determine if there is an educational need in order to aide in the management of chronic pain in older adults. A survey was developed in order to determine the nursing perceptions of complementary and alternative therapies. A total of 24 participants were recruited. The survey targeted 28 complementary and alternative therapies most commonly used as defined by National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (NCCAM). Each therapy was ranked on several aspects including perceptions, personal experience, and present knowledge and training. After completing the survey it was found that all participants were either eager or open to use some complementary and alternative therapies in their workplace, in spite of having an educational barrier on how to implement them, and wanted these therapies to become available to patients, families, and staff