Individual experiences on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and attitude towards alternative medicine in cancer care - a survey among oncology/hematology nurses

摘要

Background: While 40 - 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the attitude of professionals is heterogeneous. While oncologists are skeptical regarding CAM, nurses with a specialization in cancer care have a more positive attitude. The objective of our study was to learn whether this attitude is associated with personal and individual experiences. Materials and methods: A survey was performed on nurses in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria using a standardized online questionnaire, that addressed former experiences of their own and attitude towards complementary and alternative medicine. Results: From 517 participants, more than 90% reported positive experiences of their own with complementary medicine. Considering complementary medicine use by cancer patients, 84% of the participants with positive experiences and 73% of those with negative experiences had a positive attitude. Concerning alternative medicine, 27% had a positive attitude. Nurses with their own positive experiences do not mind recommending complementary medicine with lacking evidence. Negative experiences of their own are not associated with a skeptical attitude. Conclusion: Nurses have a positive attitude towards complementary medicine in oncology, less towards alternative medicine. Nurses should be offered training on evidence of complementary and alternative medicine and should be sensitized towards potential risks.