Problems with Alternative Medicines in the Health Care Setting: From Nurses’ Experience

Dennis Emmett
(Marshall University, South Charleston, WV 25309, USA)

Abstract: This paper examines the problems with and advantages of alternative medicines from the experience of nurses. A survey was developed asking nurses concerning their experience with alternative medicines. Their experience shows that there are some problems areas; such as, increased bleeding associated with certain herbal medicine. Meanwhile, many of the respondents felt that certain herbal medicines were effective. The basic conclusion is that certain practices may be helpful, but more regulation and study are required.

Key words: health care; alternative medicine; nurses

JEL codes: I10, I11