Why Nurses Must Adapt Treatment for Female Patients

The Importance of Patient-Centered Care

There is now a widespread understanding that nurses and other healthcare professionals need to be adaptive and responsive, especially when addressing the differing health needs of male and female patients. Many imagine that the role of the nurse is to treat all patients equally. According to the American Declaration of Rights, all persons are equal before the law and have the rights and duties established in this Declaration, without distinction as to race, sex, language, creed, or any other factor. In healthcare terms, this means that when a nurse has a group of patients in their care, they should be given access to the same resources or opportunities and the same level of compassionate care. However, nurses should not treat everyone the same.

Patient-Centered Care and Individual Needs

Nurses need to provide equity in healthcare, recognizing that every patient is an individual with their own personal circumstances and needs. This is why patient-centered care is such an important principle of modern nursing, as well as health and social care in general. Every patient deserves holistic treatment as an individual, and nurses must also note the important differences related to the sex of the patient. Conventional medicine has historically, and continues to be, based upon the body of an average male. As a result, many treatments and dosages are simply not suitable for most of the population and need to be adjusted on an ad-hoc basis to work. This most significantly affects women, who tend to require specific, tailored combinations of drugs to complement their hormonal composition and physiology.

Recognizing Women’s Unique Health Needs

In addition to the limitations of conventional medicine, there has been a lack of recognition and study of symptoms particular to women. For example, endometriosis is often left undiagnosed for many years because symptoms experienced by women are often dismissed as normal period pain. Awareness of the need to particularize care for women is growing, but more education and advocacy are needed to equalize healthcare efficacy. Nurses need to be tuned in to not only the unique physiology of women but also their mental health status and life experiences. Women are often caregivers to their families and may neglect their own health. Their mental health is sometimes dismissed as purely hormonal, which can be invalidating. There may also be cultural or religious reasons why women are unwilling to undergo examinations or procedures. Provision for female healthcare professionals may not always be in place, making it crucial for nurses to be aware and responsive to the specific needs of female patients.

Should Women’s Health Nurses Be Female?

This issue is significant to the way modern nursing has become a profession that fully embraces both men and women. To ensure women get responsive and appropriate healthcare, it is crucial for nurses, regardless of gender, to receive thorough training in how to provide adaptive, patient-centered care. Through education, nurses become confident and competent in the soft skills associated with nursing and can treat every patient as an individual. This includes communicating empathetically with both genders to gather vital information that will assist with diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

Training in the Complexities of the Human Condition

Alongside awareness of the different health needs of men and women, and a good grounding in soft skills, nurses also learn to switch methodology and approach when studying for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This in-depth level of understanding of individual needs at different levels of care empowers future nurses to champion and deliver health equity, changing their own lives as well as their patients’ lives.

Communication and Critical Analysis

Nurses have the potential to reshape the landscape of health equity by expanding their roles, working in new settings and in new ways, and markedly expanding efforts to partner with communities and other sectors. One example of finding new ways to better respond to the gender-specific healthcare needs of women is expanding the scope of patient communications and note-taking. By gathering comprehensive information, nurses can make clearer healthcare decisions, including making referrals. Addressing social needs, in conjunction with local agencies, becomes a task for community-based nurses. The World Health Organization (WHO) reinforces that women’s health needs go beyond biological differences between genders, stating that the health of women and girls is of particular concern because, in many societies, they are disadvantaged by discrimination rooted in sociocultural factors.

Education and Prevention

Health education and disease prevention are often integrated into the roles and responsibilities of modern nursing professionals. This should involve taking an innovative and strong approach to adapt to women’s health needs. In turn, this could involve looking closely at the knowledge gaps and practical barriers that affect female patients, working to dismantle them. Responsive, person-centered, and equitable nursing care is essential for improving health outcomes for women of every age and stage of life, thereby affecting the health of communities and society as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is holistic medicine safe to use?

Holistic Medicine does not pose a danger as many people think. However there are risks associated with this treatment. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, and insomnia. These side effects can be difficult to understand and must be weighed against the benefits offered by alternative treatments such acupuncture.

However, there have been no reported cases of death caused by holistic medicine.

Always consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment plan.

What are the Five Alternative Medical Systems (Alternatives)?

The five alternative medicine systems include acupuncture, Ayurveda, homeopathy, energy healing, and aromatherapy.

Acupuncture employs fine needles to stimulate the flow qi (energy) throughout your body.

Ayurvedic Medicine refers to an ancient system that balances three of the most important elements of health care: water, fire and air. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine’s name derives from the Greek words homoios and pathos. Homeopaths believe every disease has natural causes. But not all symptoms. Homeopaths treat patients by prescribing small amounts of substances that produce similar symptoms to the ones experienced when the patient is sick.

Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based in the belief we all have a connection to a universal life force called Ki. Feeling well is possible when the Ki flows freely through you. Energy healers use touch or intention to restore harmony between our spiritual, emotional, and physical selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to treat ailments. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can alter mood and behavior. Lavender is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy.

Is holistic medical legitimate?

The answer is both yes and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends on what you mean when you say “holistic.” It all depends on what you mean by “holistic.”

Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. This is false. Although there were some natural remedies used by healers in ancient Egypt or Rome, these practitioners did not have scientific knowledge.

It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. In the 19th Century, almost all Western countries had public hospitals that could be used by trained doctors to provide medical care.

Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. Many people still prefer to utilize complementary and alternate medicine. Many people find that alternative medicine works better than pharmaceutical drugs.

For instance, massage therapy can make people feel more at ease than tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Some people find that exercising regularly is beneficial for their bodies.

Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?

Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all diseases can be caused by a combination factors. This includes diet, lifestyle, environment stress, stress, emotions, genetics and other health-related issues.

These variables should be considered when prescribing medication to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

To fully grasp the effect of each factor on a patient, a physician must have a good understanding of both modern science as well traditional methods such a homeopathy or herbs.

Many doctors are now certified in complementary and alternate medicine (C&A). This allows them to offer a full range of services to their patients.

What is the distinction between holistic medicine and traditional medicines?

Traditional medicine only treats symptoms. Holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just one aspect of a patient’s health.

Traditional medicine treats only a few organs or system (such as the mind), while holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the human body. It also examines the effects of lifestyle choices on overall wellbeing.

What do we mean by complementary medicine?

Complementary Medicine, also known as alternative medicine, refers to any medical treatment which is not part of mainstream medicine. This includes massage therapy, acupuncture and aromatherapy as well as traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and reflexology.

Complementary medicines are not used instead of conventional medicine but rather alongside it. These complementary medicines are also known as “alternative”, “integrative”, or “integrative” medicine. They combine Western scientific methods and other proven therapies to heal people.

What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?

Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), is a general term that covers medical practices that people use when they feel they don’t get enough from allopathic medicines. These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not compatible with conventional medicine’s treatment and diagnosis, CAM practitioners may use alternative treatments. Many CAM treatments also include elements of traditional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.

Some CAM therapies may be helpful for anxiety, pain relief, stress management or relaxation. They can improve your well-being, reduce fatigue, and may even help you feel more energetic. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.

There is no single definition of what constitutes CAM; however, most definitions include at least one of the following:

An holistic view that considers body, mind and environment.
The belief that the mind and body interact and influence each other
It is believed that illness is caused by an imbalance between the environment and the person.
Focus on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Combination of Eastern philosophy and Western science
Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
Use of natural products instead of synthetic chemicals
Healing touch
Mindfulness
Meditation
Acupuncture
Yoga
Herbal remedies
Homeopathy
Chiropractic care
Massage therapy
Hypnotherapy
Spiritual healing
Biofeedback
Nutritional counseling
Energy healing

Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Some therapies can have side effects that need to be considered in order to maximize their potential benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.

Statistics

According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)

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What are the four types of complementary and alternate medicine?

The main categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are mind-body, natural products as well as manipulative therapies. Mind-body medicine covers yoga, Tai Chi and Reiki, as well as chiropractic care, homeopathy (naturopathy), biofeedback, hypnosis and hypnosis. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative treatments include physical manipulations, including acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathic treatment. Energy healing involves techniques such as prayer and visualization.

CAM is a general term that covers many health practices not covered by Western medical models. These practices differ in how much scientific evidence they have, whether they involve drugs, surgery, or which conditions they treat. Some CAM professionals also perform diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, and prescribe medication. Some do both.

There are several subcategories to each category that go beyond the four primary categories. For example, within mind-body medicine, there are relaxation techniques, mindfulness training, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, yoga, qigong, Tai chi, deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback, and visualization. Natural products can include nutritional supplements and botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies as well as essential oils, botanical medicines, essential oils, nutraceuticals herbal preparations, medicinal herbs, and teas. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. Spiritual healing includes faith healing and prayer.

Many CAM treatments treat symptoms but do not address the root cause. However, CAM may provide relief for some chronic diseases. If used properly, CAM can be combined with conventional treatments.

There are many different reasons people use the CAM.

To improve their overall wellness.
To manage a condition.
To decrease pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a person’s belief system.

Because it gives them more control than traditional medicine, some people choose CAM. Some may feel it has less side effects. Others prefer CAM to stay away from prescription medications. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. Many people also seek out CAM because of bad experiences with traditional medicine.

Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely more on word of mouth recommendations from their family members and friends.

Although CAM can be viewed negatively by society in general, most users feel positive about it. People who use CAM are happier and healthier than those who don’t. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Nearly all adults–95%–use one type of CAM at least once during their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.

The American Medical Association reiterated its support for integrative medical care in 2013. It recognized that physicians should “integrate scientifically valid complementary and alternative medicine into clinical practice…to meet patients ‘ needs and expectations.”5

The Institute of Medicine published a groundbreaking report in 2007 entitled “Relaxing Contraints: Improving access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” It concluded that there is no credible evidence that any particular CAM intervention is effective in treating or preventing cancer.

CAM continues its popularity despite the fact that it has been proven to be very popular. The number of CAM practitioners grew by 8 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.

Recent research found that nearly half of respondents used CAM in their primary healthcare routine.

CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily to relieve pain, but they also have many other benefits like relaxation, improved mood and better sleep.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments are based on traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and their roots go back thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated in China 5,000 years back, has been practiced in China ever since.

TCM, although it gained prominence in the late 1800s, is still an integral part of health care.

Today, it’s estimated that more than 70 percent of people in the United States rely on TCM for treatment.

Yoga is another CAM therapy that is very popular. Yoga was developed in India circa 5000 B.C. and is now embraced worldwide.

Yoga has become increasingly popular with the general public because it offers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.

Yoga can relieve stress, improve flexibility, and increase strength.

Even though there are limited scientific studies, yoga appears to have positive effects upon sleep33. This may make it useful for people suffering from insomnia.

Other CAM therapies, such as meditation, homeopathy, aromatherapy, are also becoming more mainstream.

One of the most common types of CAM used today is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines contain herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, bark, leaves, roots, and stems.

These drugs are frequently considered safer than pharmaceutical drugs and are popularly used by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

The American Cancer Society reports that 45% (or more) of those diagnosed with cancer have used alternative medicines during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

A recent study found that 51% of patients with cancer used at least one type or another of CAM.

However, only 8 percent of those individuals had discussed this with their doctors.

This gap in healthcare delivery is caused by a lack of communication between conventional doctors and CAM users.

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