This introductory course provides a framework for incorporating integrative therapies into your work with clients or patients. By the end of the course, you will be able to assess if integrative therapies are good options in specific situations, as well as educate patients and colleagues about benefits and risks. You will be confident discussing the evidence base for integrative therapies in general, with an understanding of some of the challenges of research in this area, and able to identify reliable sources of evidence-based information. You will leave with the skills to partner with patients or clients around use of these therapies and a plan to introduce integrative therapies in your work or other setting.
This course is part of the Integrative Health and Medicine Specialization
Introduction to Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices
Offered By
About this Course
What you will learn
Describe the field of integrative health.
Evaluate the state of the research evidence and reliable sources to use.
Discuss the overall safety of these therapies and how to optimize safe use.
Create a plan to successfully introduce integrative therapies into your work or other setting.
Skills you will gain
wellbeingEvidence-Based Practicespatient-centered carecomplementary therapiesintegrative nursing
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Introduction to the Field of Integrative Therapies
7 videos (Total 34 min), 6 readings, 2 quizzes
7 videos
Setting the Context6m
What are Integrative Therapies?5m
Why You Should Know About Integrative Therapies4m
What Is the Role of the Provider?6m
What Is the Role of the Patient?4m
Talking to Patients4m
6 readings
Definition of Integrative Health5m
Types of Integrative Therapies5m
Optional but Interesting: Integrative Therapies Around the World5m
Eight Principles of Patient-Centered Care10m
Checklist: Determining Patient Preferences5m
Week 1: References and Resources2m
2 practice exercises
Your New Role6m
What, Why, and How of Integrative Therapies15m
Week
2Types of Integrative Therapies
8 videos (Total 42 min), 15 readings, 6 quizzes
8 videos
Mind-Body Therapies: Safety and Use3m
What Are Biologically-Based Therapies?4m
More About Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy6m
What are Energy Therapies?4m
What Are Manipulative Therapies?4m
What Are Whole Systems?6m
More Whole Systems6m
15 readings
Mind-Body Therapies At a Glance2m
Do a Deeper Dive: Relaxation Techniques10m
Biologically-Based Therapies at a Glance2m
Energy Therapies at a Glance2m
Do a Deeper Dive: Reiki20m
Manipulative and-Body-Based Therapies at a Glance2m
Do a Deeper Dive: Chiropractic20m
Whole Systems at a Glance2m
Do a Deeper Dive: Traditional Chinese Medicine25m
Summary on Mind-Body Therapies5m
Summary on Biologically-Based Therapies5m
Summary on Energy Therapies5m
Summary on Manipulative and Body-Based Therapies5m
Summary on Whole Systems5m
Week 2: References and Resources2m
6 practice exercises
Relaxation Techniques5m
Research an Herb10m
Reiki6m
Chiropractic6m
Traditional Chinese Medicine6m
Types of Integrative Therapies
Week
3Evaluating the Evidence
6 videos (Total 37 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes
6 videos
An Evidence-Informed Case Study2m
Challenges and Barriers In Integrative Therapy Research4m
Evaluating Health Research8m
Being Evidence Efficient5m
Identifying Reliable Information about Integrative Therapies7m
3 readings
Learn More About Evidence-Informed Practice20m
Worksheet: Evaluating Web Sources10m
Week 3: References and Resources2m
2 practice exercises
Check Your Knowledge: Evidence-Informed Practice6m
Evaluate a Website on Integrative Therapies40m
Week
4How Safe Are Integrative Therapies?
3 videos (Total 23 min), 8 readings, 4 quizzes
3 videos
Natural Does Not Mean Safe7m
Safe Use of Dietary Supplements7m
8 readings
Symptom Management During Chemotherapy30m
Additional Resource on Integrative Nursing
More Information About Safety of Integrative Therapies10m
Checklist for Safe Use5m
Case Study10m
More Resources about Safety10m
Peer Review Project Overview5m
Week 4: References and Resources2m
4 practice exercises
Symptom Management4m
Safety Considerations10m
Researching the Safety of Dietary Supplements30m
Part 1 of Your Projects
Instructors
Robin Austin, DNP, DC
Clinical Associate ProfessorSchool of Nursing
Teri Verner, DNP, RN
Graduate FacultyEarl E Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
About the Integrative Health and Medicine Specialization
If you want to help your patients or clients manage conditions or symptoms such as pain and anxiety, this specialization will provide the knowledge and skills needed. In these five courses, you will explore integrative therapies, including herbal medicine, guided imagery, aromatherapy, and mindfulness. For each therapy studied, you will gain skills to: Assess if a therapy is appropriate, Educate patients or clients about benefit and risk, Administer or advise on use, and Evaluate if the therapy was useful (our AEAE approach).
By the end of this specialization, you will be familiar with application methods, mechanisms of action, and the research evidence for specific therapies, as well as safety and quality considerations. In short, you will be ready to partner with patients on developing a plan of integrative care that fits their needs and preferences. Note that while the primary focus is on working with patients or clients, the information is also immediately applicable to your own health and wellbeing
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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