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- Title
- Addressing the mental health of women after sexual assault: the role of follow-up care
- Contributors
- Lisa Creelman (author), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), Tracey Day (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Sexual assault is associated with debilitating mental health consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, yet a significant gap exists within the literature around the care needed to address these consequences. As a result, this project seeks to answer the question: In adult women of childbearing age who have experienced a recent sexual assault, can access to post-assault follow-up care within two weeks of the assault decrease the prevalence and severity of PTSD and depression? Eligibility criteria for this literature review included research data published in 2004 or later regarding mental health follow-up care for adult women of childbearing age who have experienced sexual assault. The majority of participants within these primary studies included adult women of childbearing age from large urbanized areas. This review utilized an ecological framework that identified individual, personal relationship, community and societal influences that impact the mental health of women after sexual assault while highlighting multi-level strategies aimed at decreasing the emotional distress experienced by women. Utilizing a trauma informed approach to care that encompasses thorough assessment and action orientated care planning, preferably within two weeks of a sexual assault, was suggested to be important for coping with emotional and psychological trauma. Limitations of this project include the retrospective nature of the studies reviewed and their reliance on participant recall or provider documentation practices. Further research is needed to develop multi-level strategies that improve the mental health of women after sexual assault. --Leaf 2.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2015
- Title
- Promoting exercise in postmenopausal women to decrease osteoporotic fracture risk
- Contributors
- Stephanie Borchert (author), Sylvia Barton (thesis advisor), Rosemary Graham (committee member), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Due to the aging Canadian population, the disease of osteoporosis is becoming increasingly prevalent. Postmenopausal women in particular are at heightened risk for osteoporosis due to their depleting estrogen levels and subsequent declines in bone density. Exercise is recognized as a key preventative measure for osteoporosis progression in this at-risk population. However, there is limited information available to provide insight into how health care providers can promote exercise behaviours which help to maintain the muscle strength and bone health of postmenopausal women and decrease the likelihood of osteoporosis related fractures. Nurse practitioners, as primary care providers, are in an ideal position to provide health promotion for the prevention of osteoporosis in their postmenopausal patients. An integrative literature review was conducted to identify which strategies nurse practitioners within the primary care setting can use to promote exercise behaviours in postmenopausal women in order to reduce their future osteoporotic fracture risk.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2018
- Title
- Nursing interventions in the prevention of febrile seizures
- Contributors
- Rayleen D. Swansen (author), Eileen Owen-Williams (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Febrile seizures are a common childhood problem occurring in two to five percent of children in Western Europe and the United States with a higher incidence reported in underdeveloped countries. Peak incidence occurs between 14-18 months of age. The author's experience when working with the Inuit population in the Eastern Arctic province of Nunavut suggests a high incidence of febrile seizures in young children although the statistics are not available regarding the incidence and prevalence. Community health nurses working in remote health centres are challenged by the uncertainty of which intervention is the most efficacious when treating these children during or following febrile seizures. This uncertainty results in inconsistent interventions, which creates stress and anxiety in both the community health nurses and parents. Despite their frightening presentation febrile seizures usually present as single benign incidents however, once they occur, recurrence may be as high as 50 percent. Due to a lack of treatment guidelines on the prevention of febrile seizures in remote Nunavut communities interventions are often inconsistent. A systematic review of the literature and guidelines were conducted to respond to the questions of whether increased dosages or prolonged use of pharmacological agents as compared to non-pharmacological interventions are more effective in preventing febrile seizures. Using the Stetler Model of research utilization as a framework to promote change recommendations for guidelines were developed. --P.ii.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2008
- Title
- Diabetes prevention in primary school-age children
- Contributors
- Angie Fast (author), Vincent Salyers (Thesis advisor), Amy Klepetar (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes among primary school-age children is a rapidly growing problem throughout the world. This project was designed to explore the research question: in primary school-age children, does an alternative nutritional education intervention reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes? A review of literature related to nutritional education for this age group yielded three research studies, one systematic review, and two evidence-based practice guidelines to corroborate alternative nutritional education as a means for potentially reducing the incidence of diabetes among school-age children. As part of this project, Pender's Health Promotion Model was examined to determine if it would be a useful framework for implementing an alternative nutritional educational program within the primary school system in an effort to decrease primary school-age onset of type 2 diabetes. Based on findings from this project, there is evidence that an alternative nutritional education intervention does reduce the incidence and risk of type 2 diabetes in primary school-age children. --P. 2.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2009
- Title
- Help seeking behaviours in men with depression : implications for primary care practice in northern BC
- Contributors
- Kristine Rowswell (author), Linda Van Pelt (thesis advisor), Jennifer Beaveridge (thesis advisor)
- Abstract
- Within North America, there is a consistent and discordant relationship between men’s low rates of diagnosed depression and high rates of completed suicide. This discordance has traditionally been explained as due to lower rates of help seeking in men as compared to women, particularly for concerns around depression and emotional distress. However, little information is available that provides primary care clinicians with recommendations to address this important gap in care. Therefore, an integrative literature review has been conducted in order to identify the factors that influence help seeking for men with depression in primary care settings. The results are discussed within the context of northern British Columbian primary care practice. In this study, ten articles were reviewed utilizing Whittemore and Knafl’s approach to the integrative literature review. Both grey literature and academic research were included in the analysis. Results suggest that men’s experience of depression and their behaviours around help seeking are complex, but are largely shaped by socially constructed ideals that dictate and perpetuate hegemonic masculinities. These masculinities situate depression and help seeking as ‘feminine’, and may discourage some men from seeking help for their symptoms. Primary care practitioners working in northern British Columbia are encouraged to be aware of the impact of gender norms on their male patients’ help seeking behaviours. Recommendations for enhancing assessment and treatment of men with depression are discussed, and specific strategies for the primary care setting are presented.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2017
- Title
- Routine physical activity and healthy pregnant women's self reports of psychological distress: a literature review
- Contributors
- Amanda Staton (author), Penny Barrett (Thesis advisor), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Psychological distress is identified as a common experience during pregnancy, and a risk factor for negative maternal and fetal health outcomes. Physical activity contributes to physical and emotional health in non-pregnant subjects. The same may be true for pregnant women. The purpose of this project is to conduct a critical examination of the literature and provide recommendations to guide nurse practitioners in working with prenatal clients. The following question was designed to guide this process: In healthy pregnant women, does physical activity at least three times weekly, as compared to remaining sedentary, decrease self reports of psychological distress? For the purpose of this project, psychological distress is defined women's self reported feelings of anxiety, depressed mood, or concerns with body image. The studies included in the literature review were obtained from a series of online database searches. Research studies, literature reviews, or clinical practice guidelines published after 1999 and written in English were included. The final yield was nine studies and three clinical practice guidelines. The evidence suggests participation in physical activity decrease over the course of pregnancy, and that women who routinely participate in physical activity during pregnancy tend to feel more positive about body image and report less feelings of anxiety and depressed mood compared to women who do not regularly engage in physical activity. Due to the limited number of studies found on this topic and the design and methodology limitations of these studies, further research is warranted. --P.ii.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2009
- Title
- Patient reported-outcome measures of quality of life as a communication tool for primary care providers serving caregivers of adults with cancer
- Contributors
- Marina Glasgow (author), Linda Van Pelt (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Connie Lapadat (committee member)
- Abstract
- Caregivers are the family members, friends and sometimes neighbors who provide an intricate array of care to an adult with cancer. According to the literature, significant demands are placed on caregivers that can diminish their QOL. The aim of this project is to examine the communication of quality of life (QOL) between primary care providers (PCPs) such as a family nurse practitioner and patients who serve as caregivers to adults with cancer. As barriers common to the primary care setting can impede caregivers voicing their concerns, it is proposed that by improving patient-provider communication, PCPs will gain greater awareness of compromised QOL and thus will be better able to offer support. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are standardized measures that report subjective experiences such as QOL. This capstone project seeks to answer the question: Can nurse practitioners, as primary care providers, use Patient-Reported Outcome Measures as a tool to improve patient provider communication regarding health-related quality of life for caregivers to adults with cancer living in British Columbia? To answer the research question, an integrative literature review was conducted whereby evidence to support the use of PROMs as a tool to enhance patient-provider communication in the primary care setting was found.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2017
- Title
- Collaboration in a primary care setting: strategies for a family nurse practitioner caring for the frail older adult
- Contributors
- Lisa Helgeson (author), Linda Pelt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Although many older adults live active and dynamic lives well into their late years, some become frail and increasingly dependent on the health care system, due to physical, cognitive, and social changes. In order to address these concerns in health care delivery, collaboration among health care providers has been a central focus for government in recent years. Collaboration among health care providers and community agencies are known to contribute to the continuation of support, by assisting the frail older adult person to achieve best health outcomes, as well as the most common goal: to remain in their homes. Nurse practitioners (NP) are one of the health care professionals, that provide quality primary health care to frail older adult patients in British Columbia (BC). The question for this project is: when a NP is providing primary care for the frail older adult in the community setting, which practice strategies promote effective collaboration between health care providers? Background knowledge about collaboration in health care, effective collaboration, the role of the NP as primary care provider, and the specific needs of the frail older adult, comprise the basis of this literature review. The 16 articles retained for analysis contained strategies themed into professional, organizational, patient and family foci. The research studies were then critiqued and themes emerged for professional, organizational, and building a therapeutic relationship with patient/family focused strategies. The results produced practice strategies for aiding in effective collaboration. The project concludes with implications for future research and education. --Leaf ii.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2015
- Title
- A review of the evidence surrounding the safety of medical marijuana authorization for adults with neuropathic pain in primary care
- Contributors
- Michelle Ambrose (author), Linda Pelt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Chronic neuropathic pain (NeP) is a complex condition that is commonly seen in primary care and is often refractory to current recommended treatments. Novel approaches to pain management are increasingly being studied to address this issue including the use of cannabis, a plant that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The aim of this project was to review the current literature to determine if medical marijuana can be authorized safely by primary care providers (PCPs) to treat NeP in adults. Rational prescribing guidelines were used as the foundation for determining safety. Background knowledge of pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, analgesia, the history of medical marijuana, marijuana licensing, pharmacology of cannabis, including what is known about the efficacy of NeP, medical marijuana and society, nurse practitioner prescriptive authority and safe prescribing practices formed the basis of this review. The 12 studies utilized in this review do not provide enough data to support the safe use of medical marijuana for NeP in adults. It may be considered after guideline recommended prescription treatments have failed in specific clients taking into account the limitations of the evidence and associated risks. For those PCPs who are considering authorizing dried cannabis for their clients recommendations for practice will be discussed. Areas for future research and limitations of the review will also be acknowledged. --Leaf v.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2014
- Title
- Supporting informal caregivers through the dementia journey: a primary care approach
- Contributors
- Amanda L. McKnight (author), Catharine Schiller (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Helen Bourque (Committee member)
- Abstract
- Informal caregivers of persons with dementia often experience significant stressors which may result in detrimental physical, psychological, social, and financial consequences. In order for primary care providers to adequately support this burgeoning group of caregivers a greater understanding of their experiences and needs is essential. This literature review seeks to determine how primary care providers can best support informal caregivers of persons with dementia through the dementia journey. Studies were included that examined the needs or experiences of informal caregivers of persons with dementia. Additionally, studies that examined primary care-based interventions aimed at improving the caregiving experience for these individuals were also included. Four themes... .
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2016
- Title
- Food insecurity in aboriginal women living with HIV/AIDS: evidence-informed health promotion interventions for family nurse practitioner practice
- Contributors
- Shannon M. Martens (author), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), Khaldoun Aldiabat (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Food insecurity negatively affects HIV/AIDS populations. The purpose of this integrated literature review is to identify evidence-informed health promotion interventions to prevent and treat food insecurity amongst Aboriginal women living with HIV/AIDS in rural and remote British Columbia, Canada. A comprehensive literature search identified 31 pieces of literature for data analysis. The highest priority identified for family nurse practitioner practice was advocacy for healthy public policy: increase social assistance and the Family Bonus, expand the monthly nutritional supplement to include all with HIV/AIDS, and include remote Aboriginal communities in the Nutrition North Canada Program. The next identified priority was community action initiatives including: community hunter, gardening, and kitchen programs, as well as food banks. Finally, on the individual level, interventions included food insecurity assessment, nutritional counselling, micronutrient supplementation, and addressing depression and addictions. Through utilization of these interventions, family nurse practitioners will be enabled to effectively address food insecurity. --Leaf ii.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2014
- Title
- Group appointments & lifestyle coaching to reduce complications of type 2 diabetes in primary care settings
- Contributors
- Natalie Manhard (author), Vincent Salyers (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Type 2 diabetes is a common illness and affects many people. It will afflict approximately 7 million people yearly and reach epidemic proportions by 2025. This project provides an overview of literature from 1998-2008 supporting group medical appointments as a means for overseeing type 2 diabetes care, with an emphasis of self-management and nurse-practitioner coaching in chronic disease management.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2009
- Title
- Effectiveness of physical activity interventions in primary care settings: an integrative litterature review
- Contributors
- George Wood (author), Linda Van Pelt (Thesis advisor), Jennifer Beaveridge (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Barbara Nielsen (Committee member)
- Abstract
- Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle is a significant problem affecting the overall health of Canadian adults, causing a substantial financial burden on healthcare. Primary care settings are an important component of a multifaceted approach to address this problem. Physical activity (PA) health benefits to improve population health are substantial, but initiating PA health promotion in primary care settings remains a challenge. Primary care providers need effective PA intervention clinical tools to succeed in fulfilling a key role in promoting PA. This integrative literature review explores extant evidence related to PA interventions’ effectiveness. Background knowledge of primary care, health promotion, and PA interventions’ content is presented along with an overview of relevant information on PA. A comprehensive search revealed 13 research articles for analysis. Key findings include evidence on the effectiveness of PA interventions and their components, as well as on the patients and providers’ characteristics associated with increased efficacy. ...
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2017
- Title
- Reducing barriers to accessing primary care for individuals with severe mental illness: examining characteristics of Canadian nurse practitioner practice
- Contributors
- Damen DeLeenheer (author), Martha MacLeod (Thesis advisor), Linda Van Pelt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Individuals with severe mental illness experience reduced access to appropriate and timely primary care. This reduced access has been linked to various barriers and may negatively affect health outcomes. The purpose of this project is to identify the characteristics of nurse practitioner (NP) practice that may reduce the most common barriers to accessing primary care encountered by individuals with severe mental illness. (SMI). The most common barriers to access can be broadly described by three themes and include suboptimal therapeutic relationships, complex service delivery, and stigma. A systematic review of the literature indicated that NPs possess a number of practice characteristics that help overcome barriers to accessing primary care. These characteristics can be described as collaborative practice, a holistic approach, and flexible practice formats. NP practice characteristics have the potential to reduce barriers to care for individuals with SMI and improve access to primary care. --Leaf ii.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2012
- Title
- Addressing chlamydia in middle aged and older women in rural and northern British Columbia
- Contributors
- Leona Christine Smith (author), Martha MacLeod (Thesis advisor), Kathy Banks (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The purpose of this literature review is to identify the ways in which nurse practitioners working in primary care can incorporate sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening as part of the well woman examination, especially among middle-aged and older women and Aboriginal women, in order to prevent long-term complications of undiagnosed STIs, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and an increased risk of acquiring HIV. An integrative literature review revealed that there is an abundance of research about STI screening for women under the age of 25. However, there is limited research about STI screening, prevention, and treatment among sexually active middle-aged and older women. Primary care providers can conduct screening and prevention practices for chlamydia and other STIs by normalizing STI screening with a nonjudgmental attitude. All primary care providers need further education about the increasing rates of chlamydia and other STIs in middle-aged and older women. --Leaf ii.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2014
- Title
- Role of nurse practitioner in addressing aboriginal diabetes prevention
- Contributors
- Douglas Andrew King (author), Martha MacLeod (Thesis advisor), Denise Tarlier (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The current epidemic of Type-2 diabetes among Aboriginal Peoples in Canada has been associated with the poor socioeconomic status of Aboriginal Peoples. Most strategies in diabetes prevention treat health behaviour as an individual choice and ignore how the social determinants of health shape people's health behaviour. The purpose of this project is to explore how NPs might more effectively approach diabetes prevention in Aboriginal communities. This integrative literature review includes a critical analysis of Aboriginal community-based diabetes prevention strategies. A synthesis of their shared characteristics shows that effective community-based diabetes prevention strategies are congruent with primary health care and social justice perspectives on health, which focus on empowering communities and correcting institutionalized discrimination. Community-based strategies empower communities to take control of health promotion efforts and improve community resources and infrastructures that support healthier lifestyles. With an understanding of community-based programs, NPs can begin identifying how primary health care and social justice perspectives can strengthen existing diabetes prevention efforts in Aboriginal communities. --P. i.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2011
- Title
- Adolescence and depression: reducing cardiovascular disease through preventive health checks
- Contributors
- Ashley Elizabeth Gueret (author), Lela Zimmer (thesis advisor), Celia Evanson (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Sandra Allison (committee member)
- Abstract
- Adolescent depression is a prevalent, serious health condition seen in primary care that is associated with many adverse physiologic changes, including cardiovascular disease. The aim of this integrative review was to examine those cardiovascular changes and determine whether preventive health checklists can help screen, identify, and ultimately prevent these changes. The eight studies selected for this review do not provide enough evidence to support the use of preventive health checklists as a way to prevent the cardiovascular effects of depression in adolescents. However, they form the basis for recommendations to be implemented in the primary care setting for ways to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease in adolescents with depression including using a multidisciplinary approach and guidelines for monitoring vital signs, weight, and bloodwork of these adolescents. Areas for future research are suggested and limitations of the evidence are also acknowledged.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2017
- Title
- Nurse practitioner use of patient-centered care to improve the quality of life of women experiencing vasomotor symptoms of menopause
- Contributors
- Shannon Campbell (author), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), Linda Van Pelt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Menopause is a passage in every woman's life. Hormonal changes are responsible for the cessation of ovulation, and this transition can be difficult for some women. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), consisting of hot flashes/flushes and night sweats, can be bothersome for some, and VMS are the primary reason for women to seek medical attention during menopause. Patient-centered care (PCC) is an approach which improves discussion, promotes patient involvement, and creates a positive provider/patient relationship with a result of improved quality of life (QOL). Hormone therapy, the gold standard for VMS relief, has come under scrutiny in recent years due to a fear of increased health risks with its use. Complementary and alternative medicines are being promoted as natural alternatives. Women are seeking help to make sense of the variety of treatment options available for VMS relief and nurse practitioners are in an optimal position to help these women. Through the use of PCC, nurse practitioners (NP) can conduct a thorough health history and assessment. They can provide expert advice, hold discussions with women about their preferences and assess them for individual risks with the ultimate provision of appropriate and individualized care for women experiencing VMS of menopause. --P. ii.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2011
- Title
- The role of nurse practitioners in primary care in optimizing risk stratification for coronary heart disease in Canadian women: an integrative review
- Contributors
- Parveen Sangha (author), Caroline Sanders (Thesis advisor), Linda Van Pelt (Thesis advisor), Davina Banner-Lukaris (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Natasha Prodan-Bhalla (Committee member)
- Abstract
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in Canadian women. Despite advances in screening and research, CHD continues to pose a significant health care burden to Canadian women. This integrative literature review explores how a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in primary care can optimize risk stratification for CHD in Canadian women. A systematic search of the contemporary literature identified 11 key articles. These were analyzed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools to assess relevance and the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. Three key themes emerged from the literature and are explored in detail: the limitations of current risk prediction models for risk stratification in women; the emergence and evolving importance of female-specific risk factors; and additional adjunctive testing (coronary artery calcium screening) that may improve the accuracy of risk prediction models in women. ...
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2017
- Title
- Complementary and alternative therapies: supporting the woman with inadquate milk production
- Contributors
- Eunice Finch (author), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- While the benefits of breastfeeding are well established, and high initiation rates indicate that women recognize these benefits and wish to provide their infants with the healthiest beginnings, duration rates indicate that women are having difficulty overcoming challenges in the early weeks of breastfeeding. Studies indicate that early breastfeeding cessation is correlated with perceived or actual inadequate milk supply (Lewallen et al., 2006). While the traditional management of insufficient supply during breastfeeding has involved breastfeeding support with particular attention to effectiveness of maternal and infant position, milk transfer, and frequency of feeds, some women may not see improvement in supply from traditional measures. Breastfeeding websites, parenting books, and review articles by breastfeeding professionals suggest the use of complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicines, relaxation therapy, aromatherapy, and homeopathy to increase milk supply, however little clinical evidence exists to support the use of such therapies. This literature review summarizes the available data in research and grey literature regarding the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine in managing insufficient milk supply. The majority of evidence supporting the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine in the breastfeeding woman is qualitative and quasi-experimental, with few randomized controlled trials supporting the safety and efficacy of these treatments for increasing milk production in the lactating woman. The role of the nurse practitioner in supporting patients using complementary and alternative therapies is discussed. --Leaf 2.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Content Model
- info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
- Date added
- 2012