Challenges and Facilitators of Integrating Complementary Therapies in Routine Nursing Care on Nurses’ Opinion

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Assosiated, Departement of Community Health Nursing and Nurse Management, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.

2 Instructor, Departement of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery school, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.

3 Assistant, Department of Community Health Nursing and Nurse Management, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran

4 Professor of Nursig Depatement, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Undoubtedly, some factors as barriers or facilitator are effective in integrating complementary therapies with the professional practice of nurses. The present study aimed to determine the nurses' views on challenges and facilitators of integrating complementary therapies with routine nursing care. 
Methods: This descriptive- cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 nurses working in educational hospitals affiliated to Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of three parts: demographic characteristics, challenges and facilitators of integration of complementary therapies in nursing practice. The questionnaire was used after confirming its validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α=0/85)). The response of questions was ranked on a 4-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (v. 22.0) using descriptive statistics.
Results: The most important challenges declared by nurses were lack of specific guidelines (89%), insufficient knowledge and skills (87%), Low support and participation of physicians and nursing managers (87%) and insufficient scientific evidence (86%). Continuing training courses, creating a supportive environment, and developing practical guidelines were identified as the most important facilitating factors.
Conclusions: According to the study results, it seems that the requisite for integration of complementary therapies with nursing practice is to address the challenges based on the proposed facilitators.
 

Keywords


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