Survey of Perception of Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CAT) / 기본간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate oncology nurses' perception, attitude, knowledge and practice of CAT and to describe nurses' needs for education on CAT. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. A total of 270 oncology nurses working at four medical centers in Seoul and Kyungki participated in this study. They completed the questionnaire between December 2005 and February 2006. RESULTS: Oncology nurses perceived CAT as possible nursing interventions, but felt that there was no conclusive evidence on effectiveness/safety. Of the participants 44.4% have used CAT for themselves, and 73.9% of them were satisfied after using CAT. Two biggest reasons for CAT use were symptom control and emotional support. However, 80.8% of the participants had not had any training related to CAT. Both nurses who have used CAT and those who have been trained to practice CAT represented a more positive perception toward CAT (p=.000). The biggest perceived obstacles to the practice of CAT were concerns about side effects (71.2%) and lack of knowledge and skill (69.6%). The most favorable CAT modalities in both practice and training were mind-body medicine. CONCLUSION: Overall oncology nurses' perception toward CAT was encouraging. However a high number of the nurses reported lack of knowledge and skill in CAT. Education and training strategy for CAT need to be developed.