Nurses' perceptions of complementary and alternative medical therapies

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