Integrating Conventional & Alternative Therapies

If you are caring for clients with chronic condition you can turn to Eliopoulos' new book that describes holistic care for such individuals. This is a wonderfully written resource that examines the lifestyle adaptations and health patterns of individuals living with chronic conditions.

Eliopoulos is an authority in the care of the chronically ill. Her book combines this knowledge with the growing body of knowledge on complementary and alternative modalities. The first five chapters provide an overview c holistic healing, chronic illness, conventional care, and us of complementary and alternative therapies. In the remaining chapters, the author provides keen insights for integration of complementary and alternative modalities with conventional health care using Marjory Gordon's Functional Health Patterns. The information gives a excellent framework to guide health care providers in their healing roles. The chapter devoted to alternative an complementary therapies is particularly appealing. offers a brief, yet thorough description of the most commonly used complementary and alternative therapies, along with a discussion on research and efficacy of the specific modality.

Recurring features such as quick-read reference boxes, tables, and carefully selected lists of related readings enhance understanding of the bin-psycho-social spiritual needs of individuals with chronic illness. The few drawings scattered throughout the book effectively illustrate salient points.

The book should be required reading for nursing courses. It would be especially useful for interdisciplinary health care teams whose goal is to promote healthy, holistic lifestyles for their clients.