Nurse Practitioner Knowledge and Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies for the Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Pilot Study

Over prescription and misuse of opiates in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) in adults can result in patients becoming dependent on opiates for pain relief. In adjunct with current regulations on opiate prescribing practices, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices should be incorporated into the plan of care. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in an adequate position to educate their patients on CAM therapies to minimize their use of prescription opiates. However, they must be knowledgeable of CAM therapies in order to educate for their use. A descriptive survey was completed by fourteen (n = 14) NPs to determine their knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes pertaining to CAM and treatment and referral practices for those with CMP. Results indicate that NP knowledge of CAM is minimal and often learned through self-inquiry. Research findings suggest the need for NPs to be properly educated on the use of CAM in order to effectively implement them into the treatment plan for those with CMP and decrease the need for pharmacological relief (opioids)