Date of Award

5-2017

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies

Department

Holistic Health

First Advisor

Carol Geisler

Department/School

Holistic Health Studies

Abstract

One-half of all adults in America have a diagnosis of at least one chronic disease. Up to 80% of people with chronic diseases suffer from insomnia, creating a significant health burden. Healthcare providers (HCPs) do not routinely address insomnia and primarily use pharmaceuticals to manage insomnia. The purpose of this research is to co-create with HCPs an educational artifact that helps them inform their chronically ill patients about evidence-based complementary and integrative therapies (CIT) for insomnia management. Based on a design and development culture of inquiry and research method, we used the literature to create a preliminary educational artifact focused on four evidence-based CIT for insomnia management: aromatherapy, mindfulness meditation, relaxation and breathing techniques, and yoga. These modalities are safe, inexpensive, and accessible from home for individuals with chronic disease. We collected evaluative feedback from a convenience sample of HCPs. The top two factors impacting HCP integration of CIT into practice are lack of reimbursement and time constraints. HCPs support an artifact that addresses affordable, accessible, evidence-based modalities to complement conventional treatments for insomnia management. Since these integrative practices may be unfamiliar to some HCPs, our research confirms that an accessible educational artifact may effectively support the integration of aromatherapy, mindfulness meditation, relaxation and breathing techniques, and yoga into mainstream practices. We conclude our applied research with recommendations for the key components of an educational artifact.

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