Attitude of oncology/hematology nurses from German speaking countries towards complementary and alternative medicine

Objective: 40 - 50% of cancer patients use complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). While oncologists are skeptical regarding CAM, no data has been published with respect to nurses. The objective of our study was to learn about the attitude of nurses with a specialization in cancer care towards CAM. Subjects and methods: A survey was performed on nurses in Germany, Switzerland and Austria using an online questionnaire, which addressed attitude towards, and experiences with CAM. Results: 877 participants filled in the questionnaire. 61% have a very positive or positive attitude towards complementary (CM) and 20% towards alternative medicine (AM). 71% rate their knowledge as high to moderate regarding CM. 43% use some source of information on CAM and 48% would like more training on CAM. The most important reason to use CM is the patient becoming active (50%). CM is a means for reducing side effects (46%), increasing coping (42%), or quality of life (47%). For AM, less than 20% give positive statements. Risks as a result of interactions and side effects are anticipated by 40 (CM) and 50% (AM). Conclusion: In sum, many but not all participants are aware of the pros and cons of CAM. In general, they have a positive attitude towards CM. In order to make CM safer, a structured training should be offered.