Complementary Therapy (CT) & the Staff Nurse (Article 2 of 3)
Where Can Nurses Begin to Learn More About Complementary Therapies
Here in Canada the effort to bring Complementary Therapies (CT) in as an integrated part of care began decades ago, though a small percentage have been involved or followed it (see chart for examples of CT). This is changing as many key players are gaining in their momentum and voices. Though there are some challenges that must be addressed before CT will be an integral part of the Canadian health care, they are already being used regularly by Canadians today. Benefits to patients that have been reported include: reduction of pain, anxiety and/or stress; promotion of the relaxation response which supports healing at the physical, emotional and mental levels of being; improvement in circulation and breathing post surgically; reduced effects from trauma and chronic pain; accelerated healing of wounds; support during the dying process, and more. According to the Fraser Institute (2007), nearly three-quarters of Canadians (74%) had used at least one CT sometime in their life, and more than one-half (54%) reported using one within the last year.
What nurses need to decide is if they want to be one of the leaders in this movement towards an integrative healthcare approach moves forward, or will they be satisfied to leave this within the domain of the physician or governmental programs? Evidence has shown that there is not one professional who has the expertise to meet all the client’s needs in this specialized area of care, though a variety of professionals have expertise in this type of care, and it is not always the physician. As we shift to a more holistic model, we need all the professionals involved to participate and develop a therapeutic partnership to meet to client’s needs, be it in acute care, long-term care, within the community, or for self-care. ‘Therapeutic partnering’ is defined as a relationship between people whose common mission and purpose is to promote healing and wellness, and is characterized by mutual power, respect, compassion, trust and clear communication (Thornton, 2013, p. 180). To date there are a variety of groups or associations who are moving towards an integrative approach.
A key player in the field of Integrative Healthcare is IN-CAM, a collaborative research network, created to foster excellence in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research in Canada; it launched in 2004. IN-CAM is an acronym for The Canadian Interdisciplinary Network for CAM Research. This unique Canadian initiative was founded by two of Canada’s leading CAM researchers, Dr Heather Boon and Dr. Marja Verhoef. They believed that a coordinated, interdisciplinary, collaborative effort was needed to address the many gaps that exist in CAM research. They expected that a research network would provide the opportunity to foster dialogue and communication among CAM researchers, to pool resources, create and transfer CAM knowledge and awareness, and build research capacity.
The first national nursing group to support complementary therapy use began more than 2 decades ago in the 1980’s is the CHNA: Canadian Holistic Nurses’ Association (www.chna.ca). The CHNA envisions Holistic Nursing as a recognized nursing specialty with the Canadian Nurses Association. Ultimately, their founders and present members have a vision for health care in Canada with its intention to ensure and continue to achieve ‘…holistic health, self-responsibility, and a philosophy of holistic nursing including the following three characteristics: self-care, humanizing health care, and promoting wellness.’ They have developed a Standards of Practice for Holistic Nursing (2008), as well as an intensive Specialization Program through which you will learn how to practice holistic nursing within the Standards of Practice they uphold. At the present time they have members in every province.
In Ontario, a group of seven nurses who practiced and were interested in various types of CT, and who belonged to the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), decided to create a group that envisioned the future use of CT here in Ontario. Lead by Darka Neill, the first President, they began the process to meet the RNAO’s requirements to be a Interest Group. In 2002 they officially became the RNAO-CTNIG, which stands for the ‘Complementary Therapies Nurses’ Interest Group’ (www.rnao-ctnig.org). The CTNIG recognizes that nursing involves a holistic approach whereby all persons are an integrated mind-body-spirit entity; as well they promote the practice of CT as part of nursing practice. The CTNIG does this through support, recognition, networking, research, and political action as well as education opportunities related to CT for nurses and the public. Registered Nurses may belong to this group as a RNAO member or not.
Health Canada has kept its eye on the use of CT, with reports and position papers being developed as new information has been made available; their primary focus appears to be on the Natural Health Products (NHP). NHP regulation came into force on January 1, 2004 related to all health products such as vitamin/mineral supplements, herbal remedies, traditional medicines, etc. For example, in 2005 the NHP Directorate at Health Canada did a random telephone survey and found that 71% of Canadians have used a NHP and 38% of them on daily basis. In addition, to date two CT professions that have joined nurses within the Regulated Health Professions are Chiropractic and Acupuncture. For more information as it develops in Canada you can follow Health Canada at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/chn-rcs/cah-acps-eng.php . This is just the tip of the iceberg of CT resources, though a great place to start.
References:
Thornton, L. (2013). “Whole person caring. An interprofessional model for healing and wellness.” Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International.
Written by Kim M Watson, RN, MScN, Holistic Practitioner President of the RNAO-CTNIG ~ Ontario Representative of the CHNA