AAOHN J. 1998 Sep; 46(9): 454-61; quiz 462-3.

Alternative and complementary therapies: integration into cancer care.

Milton D.

University of Phoenix, USA.

1. Cancer survivors and caregivers in the workplace are using complementary and alternative therapies and expect nurses to know about them. 2. Therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, herbal preparations, imagery, and Therapeutic Touch among others may help with cancer symptoms or treatment effects. 3. Specific strategies, e.g., staff stress management programs, inservice or continuing education, inclusion of therapies on assessment forms, can be used to begin integrative efforts. 4. The ideal health care system is one that integrates alternative and complementary healing therapies into conventional care.