Research Issues in Complementary Therapies and Holistic Care

Chapter 6: Research Issues in Complementary Therapies and Holistic Care 

Overview:

• Lists and critically evaluates the arguments against holism
• Provides explanations of the various types of nursing and midwifery research
• Explains evidence-based practice
• Distinguishes quantitative and qualitative research
• Gives different examples of studies and their research methods

Description:

This chapter provides a comprehensive discussion of the problems involved in researching complex areas of care. It focuses on the point that complementary therapies and holistic nursing are not necessarily the same and that different research approaches may be needed. The chapter provides a friendly introduction to research for those in the clinical area who may be interested in evaluating an aspect of nursing practice.

Topics:

• Introduction
• Nursing and midwifery research and complementary therapies
• Researching wholeness and complexity
• Evidence-based practice
• Types of nursing and midwifery research
• Quantitative and qualitative research
• Research methods
• Examples of types of studies and their findings
• Manageable research in clinical practice
• Evaluation of current practices
• Conclusion
• References

Speaker / Author:

Beverley Taylor

RN, RM, MEd, PhD, FRCNA, FCN (NSW), Foundation Professor of Nursing, Southern Cross University

Beverley began nursing in 1968 in Tasmania and has been employed full time in the profession ever since, as a clinician, teacher and researcher. Her main interests are in all spheres of holistic nursing and she is the editor of the Australian Journal of Holistic Nursing

Professional Reviews: