Holistic Nursing Care: Concepts, Challenges and Evidence - A Review

Abstract

Holistic nursing care is an integrative approach that considers the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of patient well-being. Rooted in the understanding that health is a multidimensional concept, this model focuses on treating the whole person rather than simply addressing the symptoms of illness. Holistic nurses foster therapeutic relationships, empower patients, and utilize both conventional and complementary therapies to promote healing and well-being. While holistic care has demonstrated significant benefits in improving patient outcomes, including enhanced patient satisfaction, reduced stress, and improved recovery times, several challenges impede its widespread implementation. These include a lack of standardized training and certification, time constraints in healthcare settings, resistance to change within the medical community, and limited integration of complementary therapies into conventional practice. Despite these challenges, the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of holistic nursing care continues to emphasize its potential in various healthcare settings, including cancer care, chronic pain management, mental health, and palliative care. This review explores the concepts, challenges, and evidence of holistic nursing, providing a comprehensive overview of its role in modern healthcare. It highlights the need for further research, policy changes, and education to ensure the integration of holistic care into mainstream healthcare systems, ultimately improving patient outcomes and fostering a more compassionate approach to healing.