CREDIT ALLOCATION: 3 Credit Hours

DESCRIPTION:
This course explores and discusses the scientific bases for various alternative and complementary therapies in nursing and health care. Research examining the effectiveness of various modalities are critically reviewed and analyzed for scientific merit. Difficulties in conducting research, and methods that may enhance current and potential research in alternative and complementary health care are explored. Students are exposed to and practice using the skills necessary to evaluate the credibility of reported research and determine its usefulness in guiding advanced nursing and health care practice.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  Upon completion of this course and its related activities, the student will have been given the opportunity to:

1. Discuss issues related to the conduct of research in alternative and complementary health care;
2. Differentiate between various methodological approaches used to investigate alternative and complementary therapies;
3. Critically analyze selected studies in alternative and complementary medicine and health care in terms of:
               
purpose
sampling technique
research design
data collection methods
data analysis
validity and reliability
findings

4. Delineate the relevance, significance, and application of research findings in alternative and complementary health care for nursing theory, practice and research.

TOPICAL OUTLINE:

Issues in alternative and complementary medicine and health care research
Mind-body interventions
Bioelectromagnetics applications in health care
Manual healing methods
Pharmacological and biological treatments
Herbal therapies
Diet and nutrition in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease
Alternative systems of health care practice

TEACHING STRATEGIES: The course is offered through a combination of teaching modalities, including student-faculty and student-student interaction on the web, and satellite transmission of classes to offsite campuses. Other teaching strategies include lecture/ discussion, group projects, class presentations, class demonstrations, and required readings.

EVALUATION METHODS: Students select a therapeutic modality which they study throughout the semester. Among other things, they are evaluated on their ability to develop a research proposal using that modality.