A combined study exploring Nurse Lecturers’ understanding of Holism, the Placebo and Touch in Nursing Therapy

Objective – A combined study exploring nurse lecturers’ understanding of spirit; the medical model; holism; placebo and energy medicine Results – There was evidence of a confused or vague idea of the nature of spirit and holism among nurse lecturers, with this possibly reflected in the nursing curriculum. There was some evidence of the disproportionate effect of the medical model within the teaching curriculum and in clinical practice. About 50% of the nurse lecturers were very positive about the placebo effect within nurse therapy, although the same proportion was dismissive of the placebo effect. There was some agreement for the incorporation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within clinical nursing practice, and the use of touch therapies. There was evident ignorance and misunderstanding of CAM and touch therapies and very limited teaching of CAM. Conclusion – To help enhance holistic practice and to balance the clinical dominance of the medical model, the teaching curriculum should address; • The exploration, definition and teaching of spirituality and holism • A better understanding of the role of placebo, particularly to enhance clinical therapy • The potential for CAM to be incorporated • The use of touch therapies in nursing practice.