PLACEBOS IN CLINICAL-PRACTICE - RESULTS OF A SURVEY OF NURSES

Background: Despite a burgeoning literature on the placebo effect and an increasing recognition of its importance in the treatment process, little is known about the prevalence of placebo medication outside cli nical trials, Aim: To assess the frequency of placebo administration i n nursing clinical practice, the indications for which it was administ ered and the nurses' attitudes towards (and knowledge of) the placebo effect. Design: Self-administered survey with 12 items, Setting: 1995 annual convention of the New South Wales Nurses Association, Australia , Results: 263 nurses completed the questionnaire, 68% had knowingly a dministered placebos at some time; 12% had used placebos in the previo us 12 months, Placebo had been used mostly for pain and insomnia, 58% of the respondents believed in the existence of a specific ''placebo-r esponder'' personality. Several other myths about the placebo effect w ere perpetuated, Conclusions: Most nurses have used placebos in clinic al practice, albeit infrequently, There seems to be a discrepancy betw een the established scientific knowledge about the placebo effect and the current levels of awareness of this phenomenon among nursing staff , There may be a role for the incorporation of such knowledge into nur sing education.