Peer Responses:
Length: A minimum of 150 words per post, not including references
Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA per post from within the last 5 years
Citations need to be within 5 (Five) years
Context: Nursing in the USA
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According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2018), the concepts complementary, alternative, and integrative are constantly evolving, along with the discipline. Complementary health practices are the non-mainstream health practices that are used together with conventional medicine or health practices. When the non-mainstream health practices replace conventional medicine, then then they are considered alternative. On the other hand, integrative care combines both conventional and complementary approaches to coordinate care. The focus is on provision of patient-focused, and holistic approach to healthcare and wellness (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care, 2018).
An example of complementary healthcare is the use of Tai Chi exercises besides pharmacological drugs such as naproxen to manage pain among older adults at a higher risk of falling. The exercise is used together with the medicine instead of replacing it. An example of alternative health care is acupuncture where very thin needles are inserted through a persons skin to help in treating various conditions. The patient will use acupuncture instead of the conventional care to manage their conditions such as allergies.
The World Health Organization promotes the incorporation of complementary and integrative healthcare practices and many countries have adopted them in primary healthcare (Shveitzer & Zoboli). In my advanced nursing role, I will consider using the interventions, but based on the evidence of effectiveness. For instance, falls have been shown to be effective in preventing falls among elderly people in community settings. According to Hosseini et al. (2018) evidence shows that Tai Chi Chuan is effective in preventing falls and improving balance, muscle strength, proprioception, and endurance among older adults. They may not be part of conventional medicine, but evidence supports that they work and I will adopt such in practice. Adoption of the practices will depend on evidence, hospital regulations, and the rules and laws defined by the relevant regulatory bodies.
References
Hosseini, L., Kargozar, E., Sharifi, F., Negarandeh, R., Memari, A., & Navab, E. (2018). Tai chi Chuan can improve balance and reduce fear of falling in community dwelling older adults: A randomized control trial. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 14(6), 1024-1031. https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.1836488.244
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2018, July 25). Complementary, alternative, or integrative health: Whats in a name? NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/complementary-alternative-or-integrative-health-whats-in-a-name
Schveitzer, M. C., & Zoboli, E. L. (2014). Role of complementary therapies in the understanding of primary healthcare professionals: A systematic review. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, 48(spe), 184-191. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0080-623420140000500026
