11(2): 21-29

Feature Article

Evidence based medicine. Benefits, limitations and issues for complementary and alternative medicine.

Joy Mendel BNat, BSocSci(Hons), BHlthSci

Joy argues that while emphasis on clinical trials may have much value, other forms of evidence may be appropriate.

Abstract: Evidence based medicine is examined in terms of its potential benefits and limitations. Currently randomised controlled trials are viewed as gold-standard evidence. It is argued that while this emphasis on clinical trials may have much value, other forms of evidence, especially in the field of complementary medicine, such as traditional use and consumer choice, may be appropriate. The NHMRC's (1999) Guidelines for Clinical Practice indicates that a range of evidence is acceptable in the creation and application of evidence based medicine. The Risk Society model with its emphasis on individualisation and scientific uncertainty is examined as a sociological framework that allows a greater consideration of 'other than science' knowledges in the evolution of evidence based health care.

 

11(2): 30-34

Occasional Article

St John’s wort: A prestigious ‘weed’

Geraldine Clarke RN

Geraldine’s investigation reveals confirmation of historical use and some exciting potential for the future of this ‘weed’.

Abstract: St John’s wort first came to my attention while reading about treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The possibility of a herb being used successfully by many women for mild depression immediately sparked my interest. Until that time the closest I had been to natural therapies was to use vitamins. I had been educated that evidence-based treatment was the only definitive guide to health care, therefore I decided that further investigation was warranted prior to consulting a Herbalist. This article reveals the findings of my investigation.

 

10(2): 26-33
REFEREED FEATURE ARTICLE

Complementary therapies or ‘luxury’ therapies? A nurse’s experience in the use of complementary therapies in nursing practice

Milly Ching RN, RM, B App Sc (AdvNsg), Grad Dip Bus (Man), M Ed St, FRCNA, EdD candidate Monash University;
Professor Terri Seddon PhD, BAhons, BSc hons, PGCE, PG Dip Ed studiesThis study reveals how attitudes of the health industry hierarchy impact on the types of care we implement in our practice.

Abstract: Complementary therapies have an increasing popularity. This case study explores the experience of a nurse who practises complementary therapies within the health care system where there is a still a widespread of skepticism within the medical profession. It is considered by the nurse that it is a ‘luxury’ to include these therapies in nursing practice.

Abstract: Healing in it self is a complex issue, and to that regard, this paper focuses on the concept through a whole person care approach. Emphasis is placed on providing a description of healing, identifying it’s many attributes and contributing factors, and listing the qualities that define a holistic healer. Complementary therapies have been found to be a major contributor to holistic healing, though more importance needs to be placed on the idea that it is through an intentional change in thought processes, attitudes and practice that a nurse may experience contentment in the role of holistic healer.

10(1): 46-49
NON-REFEREED OCASSIONAL ARTICLE

Natural, complementary, alternative: Which term to use?

Matthew Leach RN BN(Hons) ND

Matthew shares the reasoning behind his choice of terminology related to holistic nursing practice.

Abstract: Although natural therapies are slowly infiltrating Australian nursing practice, there is still no consensus over which term to use and what these terms actually denote and infer. This article will address these concerns to reduce the confusion and misperception that currently surrounds the terminology currently in use.

9(2): 41-49
Refereed Feature Article

An examination of factors influencing natural therapy use in the Royal District Nursing Service

Matthew Leach RN, BN(Hons), ND, MATMS

Matthew’s detailed study addresses the use of natural therapies within nursing practice.

Abstract: Fifty-six nurses employed by the Royal District Nursing Service of South Australia (RDNS) completed a questionnaire examining factors that influence and constrain natural therapy use in nursing practice. Other issues examined included natural therapy education; natural therapy knowledge base; therapies utilised in practice; and types of patients and health conditions exposed to these therapies.

1(1): 4-9
Refereed Feature Article

A review of concepts relating to holistic health care

1(1): 39-42
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper

Do natural therapies have a future in the clinical setting?

2(1): 13-24
Refereed Feature Article

Pauline McCabe advances a model of health and healing based on a qualitative survey of five nurse/natural therapists

2(1): 43-45
Report

A report of the first national conference of the Complementary Health Users Group

2(2): 26-32
Refereed Feature Article

A look at the future direction of complementary therapies in the management of epilepsy

2(2): 33-37
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper

An evaluation of the long term use of HRT and some approaches to natural therapeutic treatments

2(2): 38-40
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper

Michele Corkhill addresses the need for policy formation and guidelines for nurses providing complementary health care options for clients

2(2): 40-44
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper4

Strategies that can be used to treat colic and reflux as an adjunct to the professional practitioner's advice

3(1): 4-11
Refereed Feature Article

Pauline McCabe.

A discussion on the need to develop guidelines and policies for the practice of Complementary Therapies in Australia

3(2): 30-34
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper

This paper provides an overview on the literature and use of complementary therapies

3(2): 43
Practitioners Forum

Nursing intervention for bruises and soft tissue damage

4(1): 28-32
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper

This paper describes the many natural therapies being practised by nurses in the ward setting with a focus on the care of the surgical client

4(2): 24-32
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper

Joan discusses the three major barriers to implementation of natural therapies and the need to legitimise them through research and establishing a scientific knowledge base

5(2): 7-13
Refereed Feature Article

Stephen Kermode
Lyn Ramsay
Dr. Stephen Myers

This paper reports on the findings of a phone survey on the prevalence and patterns of use of natural and complementary therapies in the NSW North Coast Region.

5(2): 41-46
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper

Revealing common ground: Comparing themes in Traditional Natural Medicine and Holistic Nursing.

Pauline explores three systems of medicine, weaving in some themes on our understanding of disease, health and healing.

5(2): 52
Practitioners Forum

Pauline outlines some important considerations for course selection.

7(1): 21-25
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper

After years of following the biomedical line with the feeling that it did not always provide what the patient needed, MaryAnne investigates other possibilities.