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PubMedDate not supplied

Alternative/complementary therapies used by persons with HIV disease.

The authors examined the kind of alternative and complementary therapies used by persons with HIV disease. A convenience sample of 145 persons with HIV disease who were receiving health care in either New York City (n = 72) or Boston (n = 73) completed the Alternative Therapies Check List. This instrument consists of 55 alternative or complementary therapies; respondents were asked to identify whether they knew the therapy and how often they used it. Frequencies were computed, demonstrating that all of the identified alternative or complementary therapies were used by at least one person with HIV disease. The different therapies were ranked according to their mean or average use. Findings showed that vitamins were the most commonly used and trigger was the least commonly used alternative/complementary therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

What is complementary medicine?

BACKGROUND: Medicine has a central aim of achieving health and wellbeing and many healthcare practices have developed to achieve this. Currently, patient spending on complementary therapies exceeds out of pocket spending on orthodox therapies. The increased use of complementary medicine by the public is paralleled by many doctors either using, or interested in using, a wider range of therapeutic approaches. OBJECTIVE: To define complementary medicine and explore what distinguishes it from mainstream medicine. DISCUSSION: Despite growing interest into complementary therapies by doctors and government, it often seems there are two parallel healthcare systems--'conventional' and 'complementary', or 'orthodox' and 'unorthodox'--operating without much interaction. Descriptions of this division claim to be based on scientific merit or political acceptance. However, it may be more appropriate to consider therapies as existing across a spectrum with multiple, complementary dimensions. Thus, the science of medicine aimed at achieving cures can be seen to complement the art of medicine, which aims to enhance health. Optimal healthcare delivery requires a 'holistic' or 'integrative' approach.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed1997

Complementary insulin therapy improves blood glucose and serum lipid parameters in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. I. Effects on blood glucose control.

Aim of the present prospective study was to assess the potential benefits of complementary insulin therapy, consisting of a single dose of 1 to 8 units of shortacting insulin before each meal, on blood glucose, serum lipid parameters and on patient's well-being. A group of 251 type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients completed the study. The complementary insulin therapy was introduced in hospital in the course of one week. Number of injections per day was increased, the average dose of insulin per day and the average dose of glibenclamide decreased, amount of carbohydrates in food (adapted by patients themselves) diminished, mean blood glucose, number of hyperglycaemia's and number of hypoglycaemia's decreased. At a check-up 8 to 10 weeks later, a decrease of haemoglobin A1c, glycated proteins in serum and body mass index together with improved patient's well-being have been shown. These results demonstrate a good effectiveness of complementary insulin therapy in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. We assume this kind of therapy should be more often recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Review of combination of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis as a modality of treatment for end-stage renal disease.

Because the contribution of residual renal function (RRF) to total solute clearance is often significant in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), loss of RRF over time can lead to inadequate dialysis if appropriate prescription management strategies are not pursued. Additionally, declines in ultrafiltration caused by increases in peritoneal permeability may limit continuation of CAPD therapy. Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis (PD + HD) combination therapy (complementary dialysis therapy) is an alternative method. This therapy allows the patient to maintain daily activities, as with CAPD, while undergoing once-a-week HD supplements for the insufficient removal of solutes and water. This therapy allows for the continuation of PD without shifting to total HD in PD patients who continue to have uremic symptoms even after individualization of the PD prescription. This treatment option is psychologically more acceptable to patients and may be expected to provide such accompanying beneficial effects as peritoneal resting, improvement of QOL and reduction in medical cost.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of static magnets for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a pilot study.

CONTEXT: Outpatient clinical studies of magnet therapy, a complementary therapy commonly used to treat osteoarthritis (OA), have been limited by the absence of a credible placebo control. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the feasibility and promise of studying static magnetic therapy for knee OA and determine the ability of a new placebo-magnet device to provide concealment of group assignment. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Academic teaching hospital in Boston. PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled 29 subjects with idiopathic or post-traumatic OA of the knee. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects received either high-strength magnetic (active) or placebo-magnetic (placebo) knee sleeve treatment for 4 hours in a monitored setting and self-treatment 6 hours daily for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were change in knee pain as measured by the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index Pain Subscale at 6 weeks and extent of group concealment at study end. RESULTS: At 4 hours, VAS pain scores (+/- SE) on a 5-item scale (0-500, 500 worst) decreased 79 +/- 18 mm in the active group and 10 +/- 21 mm in the placebo group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in any primary or secondary measure of efficacy between the treatment groups at 6 weeks. Despite widespread testing for magnetic properties, at study end, 69% of the active group and 77% of the placebo group (P > 0.2) believed that they had been assigned to the active treatment group. CONCLUSION: Despite our small sample size, magnets showed statistically significant efficacy compared to placebo after 4 hours under rigorously controlled conditions. The sustained efficacy of magnetic therapy for knee osteoarthritis could be assessed in an adequately powered trial utilizing an appropriate control such our new placebo-magnet device.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fluid status and its management in Japanese peritoneal dialysis patients.

This article reviews published studies related to fluid status of Japanese peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and its impact on technique and patient survival. In addition, some specifics related to clinical background that potentially influence fluid status are described. According to a multicenter survey conducted in Japan, nearly 25% of Japanese PD patients are overhydrated. Available data indicate that a high salt diet may conceivably play an important role in the pathogenesis of fluid overload in Japanese PD patients, and it in turn negatively impacts patient prognosis. Because of the generally adopted policy among Japanese PD experts to avoid regular use of 3.86% glucose solution, icodextrin solution is now used in more than one third of all patients. Other means of managing fluid overload, such as drug therapy, combination (complementary) therapy with hemodialysis, and low sodium PD solution, are also explored and summarized in this article.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Complementary and alternative therapies: what is their place in the management of chronic pain?

Nurses have used complementary therapies for many years to relieve anxiety, promote comfort, and reduce or alleviate pain. The therapies described in this article are examples of the many therapies available for nurses to consider when planning care for patients with chronic pain. The increasing body of scientific knowledge is providing more guidance about the efficacy of specific therapies. As with all interventions, ongoing evaluation about the effectiveness of a therapy for each patient is an important component of quality nursing care. Complementary therapies provide an avenue for nurses to be autonomous in furthering the relief of chronic pain, as many of these therapies fall within the domain of nursing. Incorporating selected therapies into the plan of care provides multiple opportunities for nurses to demonstrate caring, a premier characteristic of nursing. A number of the complementary therapies, such as journaling, hand massage, and imagery, can be taught to patients and their families, thus promoting self-care. Anecdotal evidence and findings from numerous smaller studies provide some support for the use of many complementary therapies to manage chronic pain or their use as adjuncts in the treatment regimen. Still, the nurse must weigh the risks and benefits before suggesting a therapy to a patient. Evaluating the effectiveness of the complementary therapy to promote comfort in patients with chronic pain is essential. Obtaining this information is not only critical to the care of a particular patient, but these data will assist nurses in learning more about specific therapies. Most importantly, nurses need to pursue research to further the scientific basis for many of the complementary therapies.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2006

Integrative oncology in North America.

Integrative oncology is an evolving evidence-based specialty that uses complementary therapies in concert with medical treatment to enhance its efficacy, improve symptom control, alleviate patient distress and reduce suffering. In North America the evolution of research into complementary therapies was delayed by the narrow focus of the Flexner Report. A government-funded research agenda and incorporation of complementary therapies into medical school curricula have been driven by early evidence of efficacy and patient demand. Integrative oncology focuses on the role of natural health products (botanicals, vitamins, and minerals), nutrition, acupuncture, meditation and other mind-body approaches, music therapy, touch therapies, fitness therapies, and more. Some natural health products, such as herbs and their constituent phytochemicals, may be biologic response modifiers that could increase cancer control. Current research stretches from the laboratory to health services. Institutions are exploring the effectiveness gap in their clinical services and are determining efficacy of complementary therapies through randomized controlled trials. Eventually, the goal is to establish practice guidelines through determining relative effectiveness and value through cost-utility studies. The aim of integrative oncology should be one medicine, not alternative; it should be patient-focused; it should be evidence-based; and it should provide the best care for cancer cure, prevention, symptom control, and quality of life.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed2000

Hypnosis in dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Hypnosis is an alternative or complementary therapy that has been used since ancient times to treat medical and dermatologic problems. OBJECTIVE: To describe the various uses for hypnosis as an alternative or complementary therapy in dermatologic practice. METHODS: A MEDLINE search was conducted from January 1966 through December 1998 on key words related to hypnosis and skin disorders. RESULTS: A wide spectrum of dermatologic disorders may be improved or cured using hypnosis as an alternative or complementary therapy, including acne excoriée, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, dyshidrotic dermatitis, erythromelalgia, furuncles, glossodynia, herpes simplex, hyperhidrosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, lichen planus, neurodermatitis, nummular dermatitis, postherpetic neuralgia, pruritus, psoriasis, rosacea, trichotillomania, urticaria, verruca vulgaris, and vitiligo. CONCLUSION: Appropriately trained clinicians may successfully use hypnosis in selected patients as alternative or complementary therapy for many dermatologic disorders.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed1997

Holistic health options for women.

Women have played pivotal roles in maintaining health over the millennia. Their health care practices always have been aligned with natural therapies. It is generally accepted that women use and are more open to complementary therapies than men. Yet, there are still many obstacles to address before complementary therapies gain a broader base of support, particularly among the medical community. Although research is currently in progress, definitive evidence is still lacking regarding which holistic modality (or combination of modalities) is effective for certain conditions. The public and health provider alike need to know the safety profile of each considered modality. The use and acceptance of complementary therapies are increasing exponentially with the general public. These therapies are adjuncts and not substitutes for traditional care. Nonetheless, holistic modalities are the cornerstones of health care in the future. Nurses are uniquely positioned to enhance the quality of their nursing care by improving their understanding of and beginning to incorporate more complementary healing therapies into their nursing care, regardless of their personal beliefs and values. Therefore, holistic nursing principles must be more broadly espoused by individual nurses and nurse educators so that the transpersonal/caring/healing philosophy advocated by Florence Nightingale will ripple outward from the nurse to the patient and back to the nursing profession in general.

Female↗
PubMed2006

Complementary or alternative therapies for osteoarthritis.

Complementary or alternative therapies for osteoarthritis are commonly used and therefore it is important that health-care providers and patients are aware of the evidence for or against these approaches. In this article, the best available evidence is reviewed. The results suggest that, for several treatments, the risk-benefit profile is encouraging: acupuncture, several herbal medicines and capsaicin cream. For other therapies the evidence is weak or contradictory: homeopathy, magnet therapy, tai chi, leech therapy, music therapy, yoga, imagery and therapeutic touch. Many other treatments have not been scientifically tested. It is concluded that some complementary or alternative therapies have generated sufficiently promising results to warrant further investigation in large-scale, definitive, randomized clinical trials.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed1995

A basic introduction to medical research. Part I: What is research and why do it?

Our beliefs about health come from many sources, most of which come down to personal experience. This is often an unreliable way of finding out about health as it can be affected by the individual practitioner's own biases and beliefs. Moreover, changes observed in patients cannot always be ascribed to any treatments given. Research attempts to generate more reliable beliefs by carefully controlling for those factors likely to influence us incorrectly. Good research always starts by focusing on a question: what is the question which the researcher wants to answer? Questions enable the development of research designs. There is a particularly pressing need for good quality research in the complementary therapies typically used by nurses and midwives. We need to know: do the complementary therapies have specific effects on health? How should the therapies be used so that their effects are optimised? How should the therapies be used in health service settings? Unless these questions are answered, the use of complementary therapies by nurses and midwives is likely to remain sub-optimal.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Questionable methods in cancer therapy].

Although alternative and complementary therapies are a well known, spread reality, and many alternative cancer cure were generally found ineffective in clinical trials, oncologists don't care of them. While some therapies, such as spiritual healing and relaxation, are low risk if they don't delay effective conventional methods, herbal remedies showed potential adverse reactions. Oncologists should be aware of these products and question patients on their use of them.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed2000

'Naturalistic vs reductionistic approaches to health-related practice: opposing dichotomy or symbiotic partnership?'.

Complementary therapies, within Health Service arenas, have traditionally been associated with 'naturalistic' approaches to health care provision rather than with 'reductionist' practices. Evidence does exist, however, that certain approaches to complementary therapies can exist comfortably within both camps. Subsequent debates within nursing literature, surrounding the place and validity of reductionist approaches to health care provision and their relationship with the 'counter-part' naturalistic (i.e. empowerment) approaches to health care, have existed for some time now. Naturalistic (inductive and interpretive) and reductionistic (deductive and fixed) classifications of health care provision have continued to be viewed, by many health care professionals, as apposite, divided and allopathic. This appears to be even more so recently where elements of reductionist health care have been portrayed in terms that serve to undervalue and undermine its contribution. This is whilst naturalistic approaches, in far more favourable terms, have gone on to be 'championed' by many health professions. This account sets out to investigate how this situation impacts upon the discipline of complementary therapies. It seeks to do so by defining the nature and purpose of these differing approaches - particularly within the boundaries of health promotion activities. It goes on to suggest that our current practices/viewpoints, related to these particular approaches, could be considered in themselves to be flawed, limiting and reductionist with a potential to unwittingly create a counterproductive practice ethic. As an alternative to this situation, it is suggested that by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of both stances it is possible to find common ground which marries together the more favourable aspects of these approaches. This can subsequently provide a clearer and more productive consensus for complementary therapies and other naturalistic-based practices to move forward.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1996

[Use of complimentary medical therapies in HIV/AIDS in Switzerland].

The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the incidence and spectrum of complementary therapies among HIV-infected persons in Switzerland. Under the auspices of the SATG (Swiss Aids Treatment Group), a 13-page questionnaire was created to gather data on socio-demographics, stage of HIV infection, current regimes on opportunistic infections and antiretroviral medication, current and past use of complementary treatments, and reasons for choosing and terminating complementary therapies. Approximately 640 questionnaires in French and German were distributed among HIV-infected subjects. Distributing organizations were People with Aids (P.W.A.), the University Hospital Zurich and the regional "Aids-Hilfe" institutions. With 129 questionnaires returned, the feedback was about 20%. More than 80% of participants used at least one complementary therapy. Each person currently used four therapies (median) from a spectrum of more than 60 specific complementary treatments. The following treatments were used by more than 25% of respondents: vitamins, special diets, food supplements, physical exercise, meditation, phytotherapy, homeopathy, and psychotherapy. 47% of participants took either antiretroviral medication, prophylaxis against opportunistic infections, or both.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1995

Bringing the heart back into nursing.

This paper examines the growth in interest in complementary therapies in recent years; specifically in relation to nursing. A number of reasons appear to underpin the expansion into nursing practice--including their effects in the therapeutic potential of nursing and the desire by nurses to 'humanise' health care. The rise of complementary therapies, however, is seen as more than a desire to seek alternative treatments, or to seek help where orthodox medicine's role is disputed or as a reaction to our touch deprived 'high-tech' culture. Indeed it is argued, that seeing the complementary therapies as just another 'treatment' is to adopt a reductionist view as inappropriate and as limiting as orthodox methods. Nor is growth in interest in the complementary therapies an end in itself; rather it is a product of a wider, greater shift of circumstances that is taking place as a new millenium approaches.

Complementary Therapies↗