Holistic nursing practice
-
Holistic nursing practice · Nov 2007
Perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care among older nursing home residents at the end of life.
Spirituality is of particular importance in the lives of many older adults at the end of life. While the role of spirituality may differ among older adults, spirituality may offer a purpose and meaning toward the end of life and provides a framework for managing concerns and decisions at this time. Despite the increasingly evident role of spirituality in the United States, the spirituality of older adults has been neglected. Moreover, little research has been undertaken to determine how nurses may best help older adults improve spiritual health. ⋯ The results of the study provide information that may be used to increase knowledge and improve spiritual interventions for nursing home residents at the end of life.
-
Holistic nursing practice · Nov 2007
ReviewHow does spirituality affect physical health? A conceptual review.
Spirituality is thought to have a beneficial impact on physical health and mortality, yet experimental findings are mixed in their support of this assumption. This article examines the most persuasive experimental evidence that spiritual beliefs influence physical health and explores the mediating factors that may explain how this connection operates.
-
Holistic nursing practice · Sep 2007
ReviewSpiritual practice: a literature review related to spiritual health and health outcomes.
Spirituality and the expression of spirituality have received renewed interest in both nursing and nonnursing literature over the last 20 years. Scholars in spirituality studies have contributed to the wealth of both qualitative and quantitative data that exist. ⋯ Definitions of spirituality and spiritual health are included, and theoretical underpinnings of the empirical literature are discussed. Relation of spiritual practice as a health behavior is presented with implications for future research identified.
-
Reiki touch therapy is a complementary biofield energy therapy that involves the use of hands to help strengthen the body's ability to heal. There is growing interest among nurses to use Reiki in patient care and as a self-care treatment, however, with little supportive empirical research and evidence to substantiate these practices. ⋯ A summary of Reiki studies table illustrates the study descriptions and Reiki treatment protocols specified in the investigations. Synthesis of findings for clinical practice and implications for future research are explored.
-
Holistic nursing practice · May 2007
ReviewPostherpetic neuralgia in older adults: culture, quality of life, and the use of alternative/complementary therapies.
The purpose of this article is to describe current knowledge and standards of care for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) among older persons. Three influencing factors are considered: cultural implications, quality of life (QOL), and current practice of alternative/complementary therapy. A review of literature published between 2001 and 2006 was conducted. ⋯ However, due to lack of controlled trials and insufficient evidence, alternative therapy is not currently used widely and recommended. As the US population ages, the incidence of herpes zoster and PHN is expected to rise. Clinical trials that explore the response of the culturally diverse older adults to current treatment guidelines, strategies for prevention of PHN and its corresponding decrease in QOL, as well as controlled trials of alternative/complementary remedies should be considered.