J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2006 Dec;13(3):457-466.

Survey of Perception of Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CAT)

• Kim KS
• Yi M
• An K
• Yu HJ
• Kwon SH

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.

Keyword

Oncologic nursing; Attitude; Perception; Alternative therapies; Complementary therapies

MeSH Terms

Animals
Cats
Complementary Therapies*
Education
Mind-Body Therapies
Nursing
Oncology Nursing
Surveys and Questionnaires
Seoul