Use of complementary and alternative medicine in residential aged care.
OBJECTIVE
There is increasing evidence of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by older people living in the community; however, little is known about the use of CAM in residential aged-care facilities (RACF). This review examined the literature on the use of CAM in RACF, focusing on prevalence, motivations, and support for use.


METHODS
A search of multiple databases between 2000 and 2010 was conducted. Articles were analyzed under five key themes: prevalence of CAM use, CAM user profile, motivations for use, expectations for and satisfaction with CAM use, and institutional and/or staff support for CAM use.


RESULTS
Only five articles were found that met the inclusion criteria. The review highlights the absence of evidence regarding the use of CAM by older people in RACF.


CONCLUSIONS
To inform policy and improve clinical practice in line with the aging of the population, nationally representative, population-based studies are required.
Australian Institute for Primary Care and Ageing, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. m.bauer@latrobe.edu.au
Michael
M
Bauer
Jo-Anne
JA
Rayner
D000368:Aged; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care