Available online 18 April 2015
Highlights
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- Nurses experience the use of CAM in nursing homes inspiring and rewarding.
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- Attitudes to CAM in nursing homes have changed in a positive direction.
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- CAM have a positive effect on nursing home residents.
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- There are several challenges for nurses who want to use CAM in nursing homes.
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- There is a lack of knowledge and competence in the use of CAM in nursing homes.
Abstract
Introduction
The
use of complementary and alternative medicine is increasing outside the
Norwegian public health service. The purpose of this study was to gain
insight into the experiences of nurses and auxiliary nurses with the use
of CAM in care for nursing home residents.
Method
Focus
group interviews with a total of thirteen nurses and auxiliary nurses
from three nursing homes were conducted. Data were analyzed using
systematic text condensation.
Results
Participants
had experiences from aromatherapy, plant medicine, music therapy and
pet therapy. They experienced the use of CAM as effective, exciting and
rewarding, but also challenging and dependent on supportive leaders. CAM
supported person-centered and holistic care. The participants lacked
competence and knowledge.
Conclusion
Nurses
and auxiliary nurses were enthusiastic about using CAM in their care
for nursing home residents, but they lacked knowledge about it. The
status of CAM in nursing education programs must be examined.
Keywords
- CAM;
- Nursing home;
- Aromatherapy;
- Pet therapy;
- Music therapy
- Corresponding
author. Institute of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder,
Servicebox 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway. Tel.:
+47 38141869, +47 91380696.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
