Nurses' Perceptions of Complementary
and Alternative Medical Therapies

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   J Community Health 2001 (Jun); 26 (3): 175-189

Per Gunnar Brolinson
Sports Care & Welltrack, Toledo Hospital, Toledo, OH 43606

James H. Price
Department of Public Health and Rehabilitative Services, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH

Marcia Ditmyer
Department of Public Health and Rehabilitative Services, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH

Deb Reis
Toledo Hospital, Toledo, OH

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The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of nurses toward the effectiveness and safety, as well as their recommendations for and personal use of complementary and alternative medical therapies. A random sample of 1000 nurses throughout the United States were surveyed using a three-wave mailing. About half of the respondents perceived there was conclusive evidence or preponderance of evidence that five therapies were effective: biofeedback, chiropractic, meditation/relaxation, multi-vitamins, and massage therapy. The same amount of nurses also perceived five therapies as definitely safe: hypnotherapy, chiropractic, acupressure, acupuncture, and healing touch. However, the nurses were most likely to recommend (regularly or periodically) four therapies: multivitamins, massage, meditation/relaxation, and pastoral/spiritual counseling. The vast majority (79%) of nurses perceived their professional preparation in this area to be fair or poor.

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