Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Attitude of Health Personnel* ; Clinical Competence ; Complementary Therapies*/education ; Complementary Therapies*/psychology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Curriculum ; Faculty, Nursing* ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice* ; Health Services Needs and Demand ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nurse's Role ; Nursing Education Research ; Nursing Methodology Research ; Self-Assessment ; Students, Nursing/psychology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires
Abstract
This study was designed to describe and compare the knowledge, experience, and attitudes of nursing faculty and students (undergraduate and graduate) regarding complementary and alternative therapies (CAT). A cross-sectional survey (N = 153) of undergraduate (n = 41) and graduate (n = 57) students and faculty (n = 55) was conducted in one school of nursing. Most participants were White (87%) and female (78%). More than 70% of the students and faculty agreed that clinical care should integrate the use of CAT. More than 85% desired more education about CAT, especially in undergraduate nursing curricula. More than 65% agreed that the clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner role should include the use of CAT in their practice, and more than 50% agreed that they had some knowledge of CAT, but only approximately 30% had some experience with CAT. Faculty and students expressed positive attitudes toward integrating CAT into the undergraduate nursing curriculum and nursing practice. Faculty development and nursing research are needed to facilitate curriculum change and integrate CAT into nursing programs at all levels.