Perceptions of professional nurses towards complementary and alternative modalities (CAM) in the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal

Spiritual Care in Action for Oncology Patients in the uMgungundlovu and eThekwini Health Districts, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Qualitative Study

Introduction

Globally the inclusion of spiritual activities has been well adopted into nursing care. Empirical work related to the inclusion of spiritual activities in nursing within the South African context particularly within the oncology setting is sparse. Being diagnosed with cancer can be unsettling because of the severity and vigorous treatment that one has to endure. Spiritual activities could be used as one of the coping strategies for cancer patients in times of spiritual distress. Strengthening spiritual care by including spiritual activities into daily nursing care could be beneficial to the patient and the institution.

Objective

This study aimed to explore spiritual activities that could strengthen spiritual care in oncology nursing practice.

Methods

The research study followed a phenomenological qualitative descriptive design. The study population consisted of professional nurses working in the oncology units for more than 6 months. Four health care institutions were purposively selected. Data was collected through individual in-depth interviews and field notes. Ten professional nurses were recruited at the point of data saturation. Data analysis followed inductively using content analysis enrolling steps from Elo and Kyngas.

Results

The findings revealed the nurse's willingness to embrace spiritual care in action into their daily nursing care. Three subthemes: holding patient's hands, hospital policy for patient visits, and music therapy outline how patients are comforted by nurses.

Conclusion

Nurses are integral in the provision of spiritual care for cancer patients from diagnosis up until the end of life. The essence of spiritual activities gives patients a distraction and an escape from their pain and predicament thus improving their quality of life. The findings provide policy makers with an indication that patients do not only need medical and physical care but spiritual care in their nursing care plan.

Knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine by nursing students at a University in South Africa

Background

The increased popularity of complementary medicine has created the need for patients to receive accurate information from nurses who are front-line healthcare providers. Studies have demonstrated that patients are more likely to discuss other medication and therapy use with nurses, rather than with general practitioners or other health professionals. It is, therefore, important to determine nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward the use of complementary medicine.

Setting

The study was conducted with Baccalaureus Curationis (nursing) students registered at a large public university in Gauteng, South Africa.

Methods

This research utilised a quantitative approach with a prospective, descriptive survey design. A convenience sample comprising registered Baccalaureus Curationis nursing students (n = 202) was utilized. Participants completed a 34-item, paper-and-pencil questionnaire to determine their knowledge, personal use and attitude toward complementary medicine modalities.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 126 nursing students with 119 questionnaires included for analysis. Despite a reported lack of knowledge regarding complementary medicine and limited personal use, participants had an overall positive attitude towards complementary medicine. Almost half of the participants reported enquiring about its use in history taking and were willing to refer patients to a complementary medicine practitioner.

Conclusion

A positive attitude towards complementary medicine modalities might suggest a willingness from students to improve their knowledge of the various modalities and to refer to a complementary medicine practitioner when indicated.