Complementary and integrative therapies in nursing care: an ethical focus

Objective: The study's objectives were to characterize the participation of patients in nursing care and in choosing integrative and complementary therapies, and then to analyze this participation from the perspective of nursing care ethics. Method: Qualitative research conducted with patients receiving ICT in public health facilities where there are nurses to apply these therapies. Approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the facilities involved. The sensitive creative method and discourse analysis were used. Results: When the autonomy and participation of subjects were considered as citizenship issues, the discussion concerning their right to choose among services provided is resumed. The right as an ethical condition implies having appropriate access to information regarding different therapeutic possibilities; this depends on broadening the subjects' understanding and how they act upon the world and themselves. Conclusion: It is important not to lose sight of the ICT essence of integrality, its principles and purposes.