Nurses’ attitudes toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine with cancer patients in Indonesia

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This is the first Indonesian study to use quali- tative methods in order to explore nurses’ knowl- edge and attitudes toward complementary therapies for adult patients with cancer. Through recounting their nursing experiences, the study participants revealed their familiarity with particular CAM available in Indonesia that is frequently used by patients with cancer to support their well-being. However, a lack of credible information sources, education programs, seminars, and scientific research presented barriers for nurses seeking to improve their knowledge. As a result, the partici- pants developed knowledge about CAM through personal experiences, while nurses in developed countries are able to improve their knowledge via formal and reliable education, seminars, and work- shops. Moreover, the participants were not confi- dent in recommending CAM due to lack of knowledge and evidence regarding their efficacy and safety. Accordingly, this study suggests that knowledge development would help nurses confi- dently provide adequate information to patients with cancer regarding CAM. Therefore, seminars, workshops, and scientific journals about CAM should be provided for nurses caring for oncology patients who are interested in using CAM.

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