79: Barriers and Facilitators to Non-Pharmacological and Complementary Therapies in Hospital Care

Topic: Basic Science
Subtopic: Non-specific to any diagnosis (including studies in healthy animals), Non-pharmacological interventions

Background and Aims: Nantes University Hospital promotes non-pharmacological interventions and complementary therapies (NPI/CT), provided they are delivered by trained healthcare professionals, according to a protocol, with a medical prescription and proper documentation in the patient’s medical record [1], [2], [3], [4].
The primary objective was to identify and analyze barriers and facilitators to the integration of NPI/CT into hospital practices. Secondary objectives were to identify professionals trained in NPI/CT and to describe their practices.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey (January–February 2025) among all healthcare professionals and administrative staff at Nantes University Hospital.

Results: A total of 429 respondents were included: 51% paramedical staff, 31% medical staff, and 18% other professional categories. Most respondents perceived NPI/CT as highly beneficial for patients (74%) and associated with low risk (75%). Overall, 68% reported barriers to their implementation, mainly lack of time (61%), insufficient training (57%), limited funding (55%), and lack of knowledge (39%). Reported facilitators included greater time availability (53%), professional training and awareness (51%), and increased managerial support (38%). The survey identified 148 professionals trained in at least one NPI/CT, mainly hypnosis (n=70), therapeutic communication (n=33), and therapeutic or massage touch (n=33).

Conclusions: Overall perception of NPI/CT was positive but varied across professional groups. The identification of barriers and facilitators highlights intertwined institutional and personal obstacles. Future perspectives include securing practices through implementation procedures and protocols, as well as raising professional awareness through webinars and experience sharing [5], [6].

References: 1. Comité universitaire de médecine intégrative et complémentaire (CUMIC). Réponses au questionnaire du Ministère de la Santé et de la Prévention dans le cadre du comité d’appui pour l’encadrement des pratiques non conventionnelles en santé (PNCS). Septembre 2023 [cité 2025 mai 6]. Disponible sur: https://www.cumic.fr/_files/ugd/953fc0_0c53ffaea7cd4e8eb1d37452de2d09f4.pdf
2. Non-Pharmacological Intervention Society (NPIS). Livre blanc des Interventions Non Médicamenteuses (INM). 2024.
3. Haute Autorité de Santé. Développement de la prescription de thérapeutiques non médicamenteuses. Saint-Denis La Plaine: HAS; 2011 [cité 2025 mai 6]. Disponible sur: https://www.has-sante.fr/upload/docs/application/pdf/2011-06/developpement_de_la_prescription_de_therapeutiques_non_medicamenteuses_rapport.pdf
4. Académie nationale de médecine. Thérapies complémentaires — acupuncture, hypnose, ostéopathie, tai-chi — leur place parmi les ressources de soins. 2013 [cité 2025 mai 6]. Disponible sur: https://www.academie-medecine.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/tap-717-758.pdf
5. Berna F. Médecine conventionnelle et pratiques de soins non conventionnelles. 2024.
6. Comité universitaire de médecine intégrative et complémentaire (CUMIC). Utilité et risques des Interventions Non Médicamenteuses (INM) et des Thérapies Complémentaires (ThC). [cité 2025 mai 6]. Disponible sur: https://www.cumic.fr/_files/ugd/953fc0_da77198061ce45a0ba8e651ffb6f9c1d.pdf

Presenting Author: NIZARD Julien
Submitting Author: Manon Marc

Senior Author: MARC Manon

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: No

• MARC Manon: Docteur Junior en pharmacie - Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Hall Santé, Service de santé publique et environnementale, F-44000 Nantes, France
• HARDOUIN Jean-Benoit: Méthodologiste - Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000 Nantes, France
• KERIVEN-DESSOMME Brigitte: Statisticienne - CHU Nantes, Hall Santé, Service de santé publique et environnementale, F-44000 Nantes, France
• MORET Leila: Médecin de Santé Publique - CHU Nantes, Hall Santé, Service de santé publique et environnementale, F-44000 Nantes, France
• NIZARD Julien: Médecin - CHU Nantes, Service interdisciplinaire, douleurs, soins palliatifs, soins de support, médecine intégrative (SIDSSMI), F-44000 Nantes, France
• BOELS David: Pharmacien - CHU Nantes, Hall Santé, Service de santé publique et environnementale, F-44000 Nantes, France
• JOLIVET Anne: Médecin de santé publique - CHU Nantes, Hall Santé, Service de santé publique et environnementale, F-44000 Nantes, France