Evaluating Comparative Alternative Therapies for Smoking

Getting Started:
Whether you are a nurse practicing for less than a year or have decades of experience, whether at the bedside in acute care, homecare, long-term care, or a case manager, no matter your role as a nurse or the setting you work in, staying current in practice trends is imperative. This is true as well when it comes to knowledge of complementary alternative therapies. In this discussion, you are asked to explore some of the latest trends, evaluate, and discuss its applicability to today’s healthcare environment.
Upon successful completion of these activities, you will be able to:
-Recognize the evolution of knowledge of complementary alternative therapies.
-Recognize the wide range and diversity among selected healing philosophies.
-Identify the trends in healthcare that affect complementary alternative therapies.
-Identify strategies to stay informed on complementary alternative therapies.
Resources:
Internet based research. See a list of resources in the NUR 237 Resources link
University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine
“Young Cannabis Users Risk Psychosis” https://www(dot)medscape(dot)com/viewarticle/898120_print
Background Information:
On the Horizon
As the world spins on into the third decade of this 21st century all healthcare standards that many nurses trained under have either changed or are under scrutiny. Alternative therapies are always transforming as well. In this discussion you will look at new developments, promising alternative therapeutic treatments, or strengthen your knowledge on some you have heard of but never researched. One of the goals of this course is to make you aware of cutting-edge therapies not only in traditional western healthcare but also the arena of complementary alternative therapies.
Instructions:
1. Choose a topic from the following list or feel free to research and share about another complementary alternative topic.
a. Biomechanical (nonsurgical) treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine)
b. Case study results on recent successes in chiropractic care or other therapies
c. Charlotte’s Web and seizure treatment
d. Graston Technique to break up scar tissue >relieve pain
e. Hypnosis for smoking cessation
f. Red Light Therapy uses
g. Sound Health the relationship of music and the brain
h. Strains of cannabis grown without TSH to treat Parkinson’s Disease and dementia
i. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Alzheimer’s Disease
j. Therapeutic use of laughter
k. Vitamins: efficacy of synthetic vitamins/ e.g., uptake by the body or simply excreted? Are there any forms of vitamins outside of food that has effective absorption? Explore natural vitamins versus synthetic.
l. Other topic- which you have not previously reported; please check with faculty on the topic
2. Research and read on the chosen topic.
3. Post addressing the following prompts
Introduce and explain the topic.
Explain is this considered revolutionary or just new insight into an established treatment?
What is the efficacy discovered? Any adverse side effects or other safety issues?
Were you able to identify a worldview?
What are your conclusions, is it useful or would you not recommend it?
How do you plan on staying current on future trends in CAT?
4. Whether written or spoken, interactions are expected to:
clearly and thoroughly address the prompt with meaningful information that shows critical thinking.
introduce your own ideas and questions to add greater depth to the discussion, rather than restating what your classmates have shared. (Include much more than "Great post," or "I agree.")
refer to relevant course concepts as you discuss your learning together.
develop insightful conversation by directly addressing your classmates' ideas.
demonstrate professionalism
5. Based on your educational setting, complete tasks in the instructions below.