Added value of integrative medicine to the practice of nursing in hospitals: results from a qualitative study in pediatrics

Background Integrative medicine (IM) is increasingly being implemented in hospitals. In this context, nurses play a central role in the delivery of care and treatments. However, little is known about the influence of IM on the nursing profession. This is of particular interest in the current crisis of the nursing workforce, as previous studies have suggested that IM could be a way to address some of the issues linked to this crisis. The aim of this study was thus to explore nurses’ perceptions and experiences of practising IM in a pediatric hospital, as well as to identify barriers to and facilitators of the integration of complementary therapies in a hospital setting. Methods We conducted a qualitative study with a descriptive approach by using focus groups with nurses working in a centre for integrative pediatrics in Switzerland. Focus groups, with overall 9 participants, took place in August and September 2023. The verbatim transcripts of the focus groups were thematically analysed with the assistance of a qualitative data analysis software. The Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was used to report the results of this study. Results Three major themes were derived from data analysis: (1) influence of IM on the nurses’ job satisfaction and practice, (2) barriers to the practice of IM and (3) facilitators of the practice of IM. Nurses described multiple positive aspects of IM and how its practice influenced their satisfaction and motivation for their job. These aspects included more diversity in therapeutic options, greater autonomy and responsibility in therapeutic decision-making, and increased collaboration with parents. Barriers to the practice included workload, lack of knowledge about IM and complementary therapies, and inadequate billing processes. Among the facilitators were the presence of leaders to guide nurses in their practice of IM, in-house training and adaptation of IM protocols to the specific contexts of each unit in the department. Conclusions The integration of complementary therapies and the transition from conventional care to IM seem to offer opportunities to better respond to the needs of nurses. However, despite the value that IM adds to nursing practice and the global satisfaction that it brings to nurses, some factors, mostly organisational and financial, challenge the wider recognition and integration of complementary therapies into practice.