PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Complementary Therapies”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Psychological recovery from coronary artery bypass graft surgery: the use of complementary therapies.

This study explored the use of complementary therapies that patients pursued after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and its relation to psychological recovery, particularly postoperative distress. Information about post-CABG Surgery depression and general distress, health-care practice thereafter, perceived social support, and chronic conditions other than cardiac disease was gathered from a sample of 151 patients through two questionnaires. Additional cardiac, surgical, and demographic data were obtained from medical records. Structural equation modeling (LISREL 8) was used to test the hypothesis that patients' health-care practices improved psychological adjustment after CABG. Of the sample, 85% practiced complementary approaches, especially prayer, exercise, and lifestyle-diet modification. The number of the other chronic illnesses strongly predicted post-CABG depression and general distress. CABG patients who pursued complementary approaches, particularly exercise and prayer, had better psychological recovery.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2001

Use of alternative and complementary therapies for pediatric asthma.

This survey of 48 multicultural parents of children with asthma identifies and compares alternative and complementary treatments used for asthma, and compares any potentially effective or harmful effects. Thirty-nine (81%) of the parents used at least one form of alternative or complementary therapy to treat their child's asthma. Nontraditional therapies included prayer, over-the-counter medications, herbal teas, vitamins, and massage. African-American parents were more likely to rely on prayer, and Hispanic parents were more likely to use herbal and massage therapies. Use of over-the-counter medications and vitamins was similar among groups. Three herbal remedies were potentially toxic: lobelia, possible pennyroyal mint, and tree tea oil. Medical histories for all patients should include inquiries into the use of alternative therapies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Inflammatory bowel disease patients' decisions to use complementary therapies: links to existing models of care.

OBJECTIVE: In this paper we present emergent categories of factors that influence inflammatory bowel disease patients' decisions to use complementary therapies and discuss similarities between this work and existing models of care. METHODS: This combined methods study consisted of a quantitative survey followed by qualitative interviews. The results of the qualitative interviews are reported in this article. RESULTS: Major categories that emerged during qualitative analysis were the personal context (i.e. contextual issues that influenced the individual's experience of illness), impact (i.e. the impact that the experience of illness had on the individual), and action (i.e. actions taken to manage the individual's illness). DISCUSSION: Research in the areas if complementary therapy, biopsychosocial models, and patient-centered care, point to the importance of patient-physician communication. Our findings with people who have inflammatory bowel disease are in alignment with this previous body of work. By investigating the reasons for using complementary therapies among people who have a chronic illness, we make a substantive contribution to a growing body of literature that supports the need for continued emphasis on strengthening patient-physician relationships.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Integrative oncology: complementary therapies for pain, anxiety, and mood disturbance.

Many people with cancer experience pain, anxiety, and mood disturbance. Conventional treatments do not always satisfactorily relieve these symptoms, and some patients may not be able to tolerate their side effects. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, mind-body techniques, massage, and other methods can help relieve symptoms and improve physical and mental well-being. Self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques help reduce procedural pain. Acupuncture is well documented to relieve chronic cancer pain. Massage and meditation improve anxiety and other symptoms of distress. Many dietary supplements contain biologically active constituents with effects on mood. However, not all complementary therapies are appropriate or useful, and even helpful complementary modalities may not be optimal under some circumstances. Situations when precaution is indicated include acute onset of symptoms and severe symptoms, which require immediate mainstream intervention. Dietary supplements are associated with serious negative consequences under some circumstances. The authors summarize the research on these modalities and discuss the rationale, expectation, and necessary precautions involved with combining complementary therapies and mainstream care. Practical clinical issues are addressed.

Anxiety Disorders↗
PubMed2004

[Should complementary therapies be offered in hospitals?].

BACKGROUND: This study compares attitudes among oncology professionals to whether complementary therapies should be offered in integrated units affiliated with departments of oncology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In June 2002 a questionnaire on alternative and complementary medicine was distributed among 156 physicians, 414 nurses, 164 radiation therapists and 94 administrative staff members in the five Norwegian university hospitals responsible for cancer treatment. 61% returned the questionnaire. RESULTS: More than half of the physicians (56%) and most of the other health care workers (85-93%) had a positive attitude to departments of integrative medicine. If the service was provided, about half of the physicians expressed the opinion that the cost of treatment should be covered by the patient. By contrast, more than 80% of nurses, clerks and therapeutic radiographers answered that the cost had to be covered by public funding. Most oncology professionals, including the physicians, felt that the decision on the type of treatment to be offered to patients should be made in collaboration between patients, complementary therapists and oncology health care workers. However, one third of the physicians thought that treatment decisions had to be made by health care workers only. INTERPRETATION: In general, this survey demonstrated a positive attitude towards integrated units offering complementary therapies, also among oncologists. However, major differences among professions were found.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Complementary therapies and nurse education--the need for specialist teachers.

The need for nursing colleges to consider introducing complementary therapies into nurse training cannot be denied as the interest in complementary therapies grows. Consideration is, however, necessary as to whether this role could be performed by external teachers, or by dual qualified nurse teachers within the college. This article suggests the possible advantages of employing such a nurse teacher and argues that such a role involves more than information giving. It involves monitoring, integrating and defragmentation of the information given to the students. This can be achieved through careful curriculum planning, classroom teaching and clinical involvement. Additional advantages could be the narrowing of the theory practice gap and research involvement within the clinical field. Care must, however, be taken to ensure the credibility of the qualification of the teacher. If implemented correctly such a specialist nurse teacher will be seen as a crucial member in meeting the public demands for a safe and caring profession.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed2006

Use of complementary therapies during chemotherapy: influence of patients' satisfaction with treatment decision making and the treating oncologist.

The relationship between the use of complementary therapy (CT) and satisfaction with medical treatment decision making and with the treating oncologist was evaluated in a sample of 166 women who were undergoing an initial course of chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. At the beginning of chemotherapy, 39% indicated already trying CT and an additional 13% reported planning to try CT. These women mentioned a variety of vitamin, nutritional, herbal, physical, mental, and spiritual approaches. Four months later, when most patients had completed chemotherapy, more than half (53%) reported using CT, with another 8% planning to try it. Regression analysis controlling for psychosocial and medical variables revealed that women who were younger and less satisfied with their treatment decision-making experience were significantly more likely to use CT. When predicting use of CT at the conclusion of treatment, baseline utilization was the greatest predictor, but dissatisfaction with the oncologist was also a significant predictor. These findings suggest that patients who are dissatisfied with their medical care may be more likely to use CT during treatment. Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between satisfaction with medical decision making and the patient-physician relationship to CT use among cancer patients. The findings also highlight the importance of good patient-physician communication about CT use throughout the cancer treatment experience.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A comparison of the use of complementary therapies in Australia and Iceland.

The use of complementary therapies in Iceland and Australia is compared in this paper, along with information regarding research into native plants in both countries. Attitudes towards complementary therapists from the medical profession are discussed, and the use of complementary medicine by pregnant women and midwives is given special emphasis.

Acupuncture↗
PubMed2005

The integration of complementary therapies in Australian general practice: results of a national survey.

METHODS: Australian general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes toward and use of a range of complementary therapies (CTs) were determined through a self-administered postal survey sent to a random sample of 2000 Australian GPs. The survey canvassed GPs' opinions as to the harmfulness and effectiveness of CTs; current levels of training and interest in further training; personal use of, and use in practice of, CTs; referrals to CT; practitioners; appropriateness for GPs to practice and for government regulation; perceived patient demand and the need for undergraduate education. RESULTS: The response rate was 33.2%. Based on GPs' responses, complementary therapies could be classified into: nonmedicinal and nonmanipulative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga, and hypnosis, that were seen to be highly effective and safe; medicinal and manipulative therapies, including chiropractic, Chinese herbal medicine, osteopathy, herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral therapy, naturopathy, and homeopathy, which more GPs considered potentially harmful than potentially effective; and esoteric therapies, such as spiritual healing, aromatherapy, and reflexology, which were seen to be relatively safe yet also relatively ineffective. The risks of CTs were seen to mainly arise from incorrect, inadequate, or delayed diagnoses and interactions between complementary medications and pharmaceuticals, rather than the specific risks of the therapies themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Nonmedicinal therapies along with chiropractic are widely accepted in Australia and can be considered mainstream. GPs are open to training in complementary therapies, and better communication between patients and GPs about use of CTs is required to minimize the risk of adverse events. There is also a need to prioritize and provide funding for further research into the potential adverse events from these therapies and other therapies currently lacking an evidence base.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Complementary therapies and childhood cancer.

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative therapies by children with cancer is common. Up to 84% of children have used complementary therapies along with conventional medical treatment for cancer. METHODS: We reviewed the PubMed and CINAHL databases for studies published between 1994 and 2004 on the use of complementary and alternative therapies by children with cancer and reports from any publication year through 2004 of clinical trials involving complementary and alternative therapies for children with cancer. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were retrieved reporting the results of survey or interview data collected from parents on children's use of complementary and alternative therapies during or after childhood cancer. Across studies, the use of such therapies ranged from 31% to 84%. Common reasons for using complementary and alternative therapies were to do everything possible for their child, to help with symptom management, and to boost the immune system. Many parents indicated they also hoped to treat or cure the cancer. In most cases, the child's treating physician had not been informed of the child's use of complementary and alternative therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Use of complementary therapies by children with cancer is common, although methodological variations limit the ability to compare results across studies. Treating physicians often do not know the child is using complementary therapies in addition to medical treatments. The scientific evidence is limited regarding the effects and mechanisms of action of complementary or alternative therapies, but research is being conducted on these topics.

Child↗
PubMed2000

Should nurses practise complementary therapies?

This paper is based on the review of the literature that was undertaken as part of a Research Dissertation, submitted as part of an MSc in Nursing at Coventry University. The subsequent study was a comparison of Nurse and Non-nurse Aromatherapists, exploring their beliefs about the therapy and their reasons for practice. The author questions whether nurses should practise complementary therapies and if so why? If the nursing curriculum is to be developed to incorporate complementary therapies then we must be able to justify their inclusion in terms of patient outcomes, rather than in terms of meeting the needs of the nurse. The paper raises many questions, not all of which can be answered at this stage, but which can be considered and reflected on in depth.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2001

Complementary therapies: what is the evidence for their use?

Complementary therapies are being increasingly used by patients and health-care professionals, but often with little awareness of the evidence for their use. The Internet offers a valuable and easy-to-use resource for assessing a growing amount of published information. Nurses need to be aware of a treatment's effectiveness and warn patients of potential risks or unprofessional claims.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed1999

Patient use of traditional and complementary therapies in treating rhinosinusitis before consulting an otolaryngologist.

OBJECTIVES: It has been estimated that 50 million Americans are bothered with symptoms of allergic disease and sinusitis. Patients treat these symptoms with a variety of traditional and complementary therapies. This study examined the use of these therapies by patients before consulting an otolaryngologist. STUDY DESIGN: This investigation involved a prospective clinical survey. METHODS: The sample consisted of 120 adult patients seen in a community-based otolaryngology practice, who presented with complaints of sinusitis and rhinitis. Patients completed a set of questionnaires at their initial office visit to assess the various traditional and complementary therapies they had used. In addition, they completed a questionnaire evaluating the various symptoms with which they presented to the physician. All data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that patients had been symptomatic for a mean length of 3.5 years before seeking therapy from the otolaryngologist. In addition, 87% of patients had previously seen a primary care provider, and 42% of patients had previously consulted an otolaryngologist. While traditional therapies including medications were commonly used, many patients also attempted a variety of complementary treatments, including dietary management, herbal therapy, exercise, and chiropractic. Patients who had previously seen an otolaryngologist were commonly treated with surgery. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that patients employ both traditional and complementary therapies before seeking the care of an otolaryngologist. In addition, findings suggest that, despite aggressive medical and surgical therapy, many patients continue to remain symptomatic.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Patterns of use of complementary therapies among cancer patients and their family caregivers.

Complementary therapies (CTs) are gaining popularity in the general population, including cancer patients, yet little is known about characteristics differentiating the use of one versus more CTs, about the patterns and persistence of CT use over time, or about the characteristics of cancer patients and their family caregivers who elect to participate in a study involving the use of CTs. The focus of this quasi-experimental study was to offer an 8-week, 5-contact, nurse-delivered intervention involving guided imagery, reflexology, and reminiscence therapy to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and their family caregivers. Participants were allowed to elect to use none or any combination of CTs. Twenty-seven percent of eligible patients signed consent forms and agreed to participate. The typical participant was Caucasian, married, and had at least a high school education. Higher levels of education predicted use of more than 1 CT among cancer patients; there were no significant predictors for caregivers. Female patients were more likely to complete the CT protocol than their male counterparts, but there were no associations between CT protocol completion and caregiver demographics. Patients and family caregivers who elected to use more than 1 CT did not consistently implement their CTs. Participants who elected to use only 1 CT were more consistently performing their CT over time, suggesting that this lower level of CT use may be easier to integrate into their lives during cancer treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Complementary therapies--just another task?

In this article, the author explores some of the issues involved if nurses wish to incorporate complementary therapies into their role. Amongst others, questions are raised concerning the compatibility of complementary therapies with current health care provision in hospital and community. Aspects of accountability, education and research are touched upon. No answers are offered, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions how best to overcome some of the obstacles mentioned.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed2006

The effectiveness of complementary therapies on the pain experience of hospitalized children.

Pain is a complex phenomenon for children, and the concepts of hospitalization and pain are often linked in the minds of children. Despite best-practice guidelines and standards related to pain management, many hospitalized children continue to have unrelieved pain. This suggests that analgesics alone do not sufficiently relieve their discomfort. Complementary therapies may have an important role in holistic pediatric pain management. This review of literature evaluates available evidence related to the use and effectiveness of complementary therapies on the pain experience of children in hospital settings. Thirteen recent research articles relative to this topic were located and included in this review. A variety of complementary therapies, including relaxation, distraction, hypnosis, art therapies, and imagery, are included. Results of the research are mixed, and further investigation is required.

Child↗