Complementary and alternative therapeutics teaching in nursing schools

Abstract

There is an increasing interest on Alternative and Complementary Therapies (ACT) both by patients and health professionals and managers. This article explores ACT teaching in five nursing schools in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Detailed interviews were carried out with the people responsible for these courses as to their sociological characteristics, format, justification, and strategies to start and to maintain the courses. This debate is essential for health in general, and for nursing in particular, as there is a growing international trend to include these ACT in health training and practice.