Complementary and alternative medicine for nurses and allied health professionals: A guide to the evidence and clinical applications

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become increasingly popular over the last twenty years for both health promotion and the symptomatic management of many chronic medical conditions. However, while many people already use CAM interventions alongside conventional medicine, more and more health professionals are beginning to incorporate them into their clinical practice.

This introductory text provides an overview of the most commonly used CAM modalities – including mind/body approaches, body based treatments and herbal/dietary therapies – and is designed to ensure that nurses and allied health professionals are familiar with the up-to-date evidence base and best potential use of CAM interventions in clinical practice. Often hampered by a lack of good quality research or compelling evidence, it identifies where there is good emerging evidence to support therapies. The book also explores important questions in relation to how you can safely, professionally and ethically integrate CAM into your practice, before looking at common uses of CAM in relation to cancer, chronic illness and vulnerable groups such as children, older people and those with mental health difficulties.

Presenting the best available clinical evidence to ensure the most effective and safe use of CAM interventions for our patients, this is an invaluable reference work for nursing and allied health students and professionals with an interest in the area.