Factors associated with nursing practice for cancer patients using complementary and alternative medicine

Background The number of cancer patients using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing worldwide. CAM is a holistic approach and has the potential to enrich patient lives both physically and mentally. Clarifying the factors associated with CAM-related nursing practice (CRNP) can help develop nursing that contributes to quality-of-life in cancer patients. Aim To quantitatively clarify the CRNP for cancer patients and the factors associated with CRNP. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive anonymous survey on 17 previously developed CRNPs was distributed to nurses working at cancer district hospitals in Japan. Nurses evaluated the CRNP items by a four-point Likert scale, and the total item mean score was compared among background variables by t-test and ANOVA. Findings In total, 451 valid responses were collated; 17 CRNP items were rated as agree/somewhat agree by over 49.6%. The most commonly practiced item was confirming with the primary physician before responding to patients about CAM use. Conversely, nurses failed to take on the role of explaining to patients the CAM-use decisions made by the healthcare team. CRNP scores were significantly higher for nurses with CAM-related learning experience (p = 0.001), nurses with advanced professional qualifications (p = 0.002), and nurses in occupational environments with good workplace communication (p = 0.043) or managers/colleagues with sound understanding of CAM (p = 0.001). Discussion Nurses should be aware that support for CAM use is an important issue that nurses can contribute to. Securing opportunities for CAM learning and deepening understanding of CAM throughout the workplace are useful in promoting further practice. Conclusion Nurses should deepen the understanding and value of CAM across their organisation to meet the needs of patients using CAM.