| This mixed method, exploratory, sequential study investigated a convenience sample of nurses (n=142) educated in hospital-endorsed (Reiki and/or aromatherapy/guided imagery) complementary alternative medicine (CAM) modalities. Many hospitals, in response to consumer requests, have integrated CAM as services offered for patients. However, while many nurses are educated in CAM at the study site, the application of a CAM modality is not always integrated as part of the standard care of the patient, despite hospital policies and competencies to support the practice. The purpose of the study is to explore and describe the intrinsic personal factors (socio-demographics and nurses' attitudes and beliefs) and nurses' perception of patient receptivity to CAM, extrinsic situational factors (workload and peer support) and patient factors that influence nurses' continued use of hospital-endorsed CAM in a mid-Atlantic suburban hospital. Phase one of the study was two qualitative focus groups (n=10) and the results of the focus group were used to inform the development of a survey, which was then pilot tested (n =3) using cognitive interviewing. Phase two of the study was the administration of the survey (n = 132). There was an 81.8% response rate for the surveys. Qualitative data was analyzed using grounded principles. There were four themes that emerged. Survey data was analyzed using a negative binomial regression model. Results showed that the continuation of CAM practices for patients was dependent upon the intrinsic variable, nurses' use of CAM for self-care. The extrinsic variables for peer support (have you received a treatment from a peer and/or have you given a treatment to a peer) were significant for nurses' use of CAM for self-care. The study offers practical steps for implications for nursing practice, education, and research. |
