Learning Objective #1: Discuss two benefits and two obstacles to initiating hospital-based complementary care

Learning Objective #2: Iidentify three evidence-based resources available for information on complementary care

---

The term “Complementary Care” is used by practitioners, patients, and even insurance companies to describe interventions such as massage, acupressure, and various other mind-body techniques. These techniques are also among those listed as holistic nursing interventions (Frisch, Dossey, Guzzetta, and Quinn, American Holistic Nursing Association Standards of Holistic Nursing Practice, Aspen Publishers, Inc, Gaithersburg, MA, 2000). Hospital-based Complementary Care programs have much to offer patients in the way of enhanced patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction, as well as potential benefits for nurses who learn and teach relaxation techniques. However, there is insufficient information available on the successful integration of evidence-based Complementary Care models that can be reproduced into various hospital settings. Indeed, successful integration of proven Complementary Care models that can be replicated by design are still on the horizon. Perhaps through increasing dialogue, sharing ideas and networking, nurses will be better equipped to address these issues in their health care institutions.

LaPorte Hospital began a Complementary Care initiative in January 2001. Housed in the Wellness Resource Center, Complementary Care there has evolved from outpatient massage and reflexology, to include acupuncture and yoga classes. Additionally, inpatient Complementary Care services include bedside massage and reflexology, and healing touch. Staff education programs are used to provide information and training to interested nurses. Observations from this initiative by the Coordinator of Complementary Care, as well as a useful list of evidence-based resources are offered for the advancement of Complementary Care in nursing practice.