Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/732
Browse
2 results
Search Results
Item Integrative healthcare : facilitators to successful integration of complementary health approaches and conventional healthcare(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2015) LaRue Bagley, Sheri; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: M. Jean Shreffler-GrantIntegrative healthcare (IH) is a relatively new area of specialization in the U.S. healthcare system. The existence of IH is widely attributed to popular demand for the range of therapies known collectively as Complementary Health Approaches (CHA) or Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). In the U.S., alternative, complementary, and integrative healing movements have become a significant part of popular and healthcare cultures, yet there has not been a focus on what is driving integration of CHA and conventional healthcare. The purpose of this thesis was to identify factors that facilitate successful integration of CHA and conventional healthcare practices. To address this purpose, an answer to the following research question was sought: What are the principal driving forces that support the development and maintenance of Integrative Healthcare? Interviews with a convenience sample of eight allopathic providers were conducted to gain knowledge about their use of CHA, IH, or referral for these healthcare therapies. Participants were selected based on their current or potential involvement with CHA and/or IH. Roger's theory of the progressive stages used in adopting change was employed to guide the study. Qualitative analysis was conducted to identify major concepts and subconcepts. Based on the participants' responses, four key concepts and 4 subconcepts emerged. The major concept of perceived benefits was further narrowed to include clinical outcomes and financial outcomes. Other key concepts included growth of CHA and IH, and facilitators to utilization of CHA and IH. The fourth key concept was satisfaction which included the subconcepts of provider and patient satisfaction. All participants reported improved clinical outcomes, positive impact on the financial health of clinics/facilities, and enhanced provider and patient satisfaction through utilizing or referring for IH or CHA. Given the growth of IH, it is paramount that providers meet the demand for IH in a competent manner by educating themselves and developing alliances with reputable and knowledgeable CHA practitioners. Models of care delivery for IH need to be developed and tested. Finally, additional large scale studies are needed to validate the findings of this study and identify other facilitators that impact integration of CHA and allopathic healthcare.Item Nurses' perceptions of the use of complementary and alternative medicine for pain management(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2014) Esper, Sunshine Meralee; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: M. Jean Shreffler-GrantUse of complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) by adults for pain management is common practice. More hospitals and clinics are incorporating CAM into treatment plans. Nurses are key team members in planning and implementing care. Perceptions can influence care that is given. It is important to understand nurses' perceptions CAM use for pain management, their comfort level for recommending and initiating CAM therapies, and educational needs regarding CAM. Some studies have been conducted regarding nurses' perceptions of CAM, but not particularly CAM used for pain management. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using a convenience, cross-sectional sample of 10 nurses who work at a northwest Montana medical center. Data were collected during semi-structured interviews. Imogene King's Theory of Goal Attainment provided a theoretical framework for the study. Results indicated nurses were optimistic about CAM and supported incorporating CAM into patients' pain management treatment plans. Nurses were generally comfortable recommending some kinds of CAM, but some desired the direction of a physician for certain types of CAM. Nurses seemed unsure of their role and responsibility regarding incorporating CAM into treatment plans. Themes that emerged were that nurses thought CAM could be useful for decreasing or even eliminating narcotic use, nurses felt there was a lack of resources and guidance regarding recommending CAM therapies to patients, and although they thought they had a good understanding about CAM, they would like more education about CAM. There are several implications for future research. Including; replicating the study in other geographic areas, exploring how increased education and available resources impact nurses comfort levels about discussing and incorporating CAM, understanding the relationship between CAM and narcotic use, and more research focusing on physicians' perceptions of CAM use for pain management. This research impacts the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) practice in many ways. The expanded role of the APRN requires a focus on education and advocacy. The APRN could conduct professional educational offerings for medical professionals. Patients and nurses will look to the APRN for guidance. It is important for the APRN to be knowledgeable about CAM use and CAM resources.