This descriptive survey examined providers' knowledge and beliefs regarding complementary medicine today. The focus of this research was on the providers' knowledge, professional and personal use of complementary medicine. Methods: An exploratory research design was utilized and a 29-item questionnaire was developed and distributed to a convenience sample of 500. Areas of complementary medicine addressed within the survey included: herbal medicine, vitamins, acupuncture, homeopathy, Reiki, and meditation. Findings: Survey results were based on a sample size of N=295. This sample contained representatives from five New England states. Two-thirds of the respondents were nurse practitioners. Ninety-three percent of the sample believes that some type of complementary medicine should be utilized in health care today. Over half of all participants are currently recommending some type of complementary medicine to their patients. Sixty-two percent of the sample is currently using some type of complementary medicine for themselves. Vitamin and herbal therapy are the areas that providers feel most comfortable with. The areas of complementary medicine that providers feel least comfortable with are chelation and bee venom therapy. Conclusions: Complementary medicine is quickly becoming an important part of healthcare practice in the twenty-first century. Based on the results of this survey, providers are ready and willing to take on the challenges that this branch of medicine offers. However, more research and educational opportunities must be developed to meet the needs of these providers so that they will be better equipped to face the challenges of healthcare in the twenty-first century.
Learning Objectives: After completion of this session, the participant will be able to : 1.Discuss the types of complementary medicine that providers are already recommending to their patients. 2. Identify the areas of complementary medicine that providers are most interested in developing some expertise in. 3. Review the areas of complementary medicine that providers are least and most familiar and comfortable with
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Nurse Practitioners
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.