The barriers to the discussion of complementary and alternative medicine use among Taiwanese nurses

Background: The low rates of disclosure about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients may cause the risk of adverse interactions between conventional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine or gaps in care. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the reasons related to nurses' reluctance to communicate with patients on the use of complementary and alternative medicine and to find a way of improving this communication. Method: The focus group methodology to collect the perception, feelings, and thinking of nurses about communication with patients on complementary and alternative medicine use was undertaken during Aug, 2012 and Dec, 2012. A total of 50 participants was recruited from nursing students who enrolled a post-registration or master degree of nursing program. Ethical approval was gained from the University Research Ethics Board. Results: The initial findings related to communication dilemma from focus group interviews were the limited understanding of complementary and alternative medicine, lack of guidelines for communication, insufficient supports from colleagues and system, and poor working conditions as a bedside nurse. Conclusion: Preliminary findings provide new insights into the barriers to communicating complementary and alternative medicine use with patients from nurses' perspectives and raise the consciousness and awareness of communication gap between nurse and patient regarding patients' complementary and alternative medicine use