Knowledge, attitude and use of complementary and alternative medicine among nurses: A systematic review

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to describe the knowledge, attitude and practice of CAM by nurses. Three databases were searched for relevant studies from launch through September of 2017 and included MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of science. The average knowledge of CAM therapies by nurses was 62.2% with attitude about use averaging 65.7%. Close to two-thirds (65.9%) reported use of CAM therapies with patients. The primary reasons nurses suggested use of CAM were for stress and anxiety reduction and health improvement. Current evidence demonstrates the need for nurse education programs to integrate and strengthen CAM content into existing curricula. Similarly, documentation of the nature and extent of nurse use of CAM therapies in the clinical setting, as well as patient-reported use and preferences for CAM therapies, would provide valuable prospective data. •A systematic review of 21 Cross-sectional studies.•The average knowledge of CAM therapies by nurses was 62.2% with attitude about use averaging 65.7% and close to two-thirds of nurses reported use of CAM therapies with patients.•The primary reasons nurses suggested use of CAM were for stress and anxiety reduction and health improvement and the most popular method used in studies was massage.•The most important barriers were the lack of information and resources.•Colleagues were the most important source of knowledge about CAM by nurses.