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HomeProfessional StandardsComplementary Therapies Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery Practice Introduction * In recognition of the growing use of complementary therapies in the community, the Nurses and Midwives Board of New South Wales has developed the following policy statement to guide nurses and midwives in regard to their use in nursing and midwifery practice. A consultative process was adopted through a liaison committee structure. Documents used in developing the statement included: Holistic Nurses Association of New South Wales: Policy on Complementary Therapies in Nursing Practice, 1998; NSW Health Department: Complementary Therapies in Mainstream Medicine; New South Wales Nurses' Association: Policy on Complementary Therapies in Nursing Practice, endorsed 1996 and reviewed 1998; United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC) Position Statement: Complementary Therapies, January 1995, reviewed September 1997. As a guiding principle, it is important that nurses and midwives ensure that the introduction of these adjuncts to the range of nursing interventions and to midwifery care is always in the best interest of the patients, clients and women.   Preface * Nursing and midwifery practice has always included a range of therapeutic approaches and interventions. The term "complementary therapies" encompasses interventions which may complement the care more traditionally provided by nurses and may include but is not limited to therapeutic touch, massage, relaxation, meditation, visualisation, aromatherapy, reflexology, iridology, yoga, and kinesiology.   Standards of Practice * In the interest of safe and effective practice, nurses and midwives are expected to maintain a current knowledge base and are responsible for ongoing education in their chosen areas of practice. This responsibility extends to all nurses and midwives including those who practise complementary therapies. * In using any therapy, orthodox or complementary, a nurse or midwife must observe the Code of Professional Conduct adopted by the Nurses and Midwives Board as well as the requirements of legislation including the Nurses and Midwives Act 1991 and the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966.   Responsibility of Individual Nurses and Midwives * The individual nurse or midwife is responsible to judge whether her or his qualifications, education and/or experience in the use of a complementary therapy has brought her or him to a level of competence to use that skill in patient or client care. * Nurses and midwives practising complementary therapies must be cognisant of the limits to their practice and should refer to other health professionals as necessary.   Consent * The informed consent of the individual or her/his guardian is essential prior to the provision of any therapy.   Practice Issues * Therapeutic interventions, whether complementary or orthodox, should be supported by written policies and protocols which are endorsed by the employing facility. * Any practice of complementary therapies should be incorporated into the total care of the individual. * The patient/client/woman's case manager (e.g. the treating medical practitioner) and the health care team must be informed of the use of the complementary therapy, where relevant. * The practice of complementary therapies should be appropriately documented. * The practice of complementary therapies should be supported by quality assurance activities. * Nurses and midwives who utilise complementary therapies are encouraged to initiate and participate in outcome based research.       º  Issued initially December 1998 º  Revised to include reference to both     nursing and midwifery May 2006