Complementary therapies in learning disabilities: examining the evidence

Abstract

Demand for alternative and complementary health care is both 'patient' and 'practitioner' generated (The Times 1996). In nursing the opportunities to improve individualized patient care through the appropriate use of such therapies appears to be a motivating factor in their use. Much of the nursing literature available focuses on the use of complementary therapies in general hospital settings and clinical practice. However, there is evidence of the use of such therapies by community nurses and in particular, learning disability nurses.

Therapies considered to be of benefit in the care of people with learning disabilities are those therapies that use a 'hands-on' approach such as aromatherapy, massage, and reflexology. An examination of nursing literature and research suggests a range of different therapies is being explored by nurses within their practice, and that some evaluation-seeking evidence of effectiveness is being conducted. Aromatherapy in particular has received some attention from nurse researchers, and the evidence suggests that both a therapeutic and an experimental effect can be detected. It would appear that for people with learning disabilities the combination of the factors of oils, massage (touch) and therapist-client interaction can provide a beneficial therapeutic experience.