title: Experiences with the use of complementary and alternative medicine in nursing homes: A focus group study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of complementary and alternative medicine is increasing outside the Norwegian public health service. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of nurses and auxiliary nurses with the use of CAM in care for nursing home residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus group interviews with a total of thirteen nurses and auxiliary nurses from three nursing homes were conducted. Data were analyzed using systematic text condensation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants had experiences from aromatherapy, plant medicine, music therapy and pet therapy. They experienced the use of CAM as effective, exciting and rewarding, but also challenging and dependent on supportive leaders. CAM supported person-centered and holistic care. The participants lacked competence and knowledge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses and auxiliary nurses were enthusiastic about using CAM in their care for nursing home residents, but they lacked knowledge about it. The status of CAM in nursing education programs must be examined.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Norway. Electronic address: Berit.Johannessen@uia.no.
authors.forename: Berit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Johannessen
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Norway.
authors.forename: Gitte
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Garvik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009735:Nursing Homes
keywords: Aromatherapy; CAM; Music therapy; Nursing home; Pet therapy