Critics of holistic nursing have occasionally insinuated that holism is somehow incompatible with evidence-based practice such as that which underlies the Magnet standards. That is truly unfortunate. Holistic concerns in nursing are more than merely "compatible" with an evidence-based perspective; in fact, the holistic emphasis is an expansion of available treatment modalities that has been demonstrated empirically to bolster clinical success rather than competing with it or contradicting it (Stetler, 2001).

Holistic nursing is fundamentally, inclusive and a valuable adjunctive modality that does not shift focus away from the hard science components of modern nursing; holistic nursing complements clinical modalities.

Multiculturalism in Holistic Nursing:

Multiculturalism and the increasing age of the American population present two other fundamental components of the holistic approach to nursing that emphasizes treating the whole person in conjunction with clinical therapeutics. Patient outcomes have been clearly demonstrated to improve, both in studies of higher rates of symptom resolution attributed to social support focusing on cultural bridging (Steefle, 2002), as well as reduced reliance on medication for palliative relief attributable to cultural sensitivity on the part of treating staff (Miller & Chandler, 2002).

Furthermore, Spector (2000) demonstrated significant differences in patient compliance with medical instructions associated with specific efforts to include patient families in support networks. The fact that clinical studies establish those links is helpful, but the inclusion of families in patient-centered care is just another example of something that is (or should be) intuitively obvious even absent clinical studies disclosing formal research results. Patients whose families are directly involved in their medical care are less likely to suffer depression before and after discharge; they are also more likely to follow medical directions closely.

Holistic incorporation of idiosyncratic differences among patients requires a commitment to better understanding cultural norms and culturally-oriented patient perspectives as well; in...

Appreciation for subtle culturally-determined patient expectations in connection with gender roles, deference to elders, and numerous other aspects of human cultural differences should be part and parcel of 21st century nursing education. Conclusion:
By the dawn of the 21st century, modern medicine was already poised to embark upon a comprehensive understanding of the entire human genome. Stem cell science offers hope, virtually around the corner, of eradicating myriad human diseases much the way antibiotics and vaccinations spared humanity from disease a century before.

Throughout the evolution of modern medicine, one concept remains unchanged: the primary concern of medical professionals is the patient; by definition, that means caring for the person and not just the clinical solution to medical symptoms and ailments.

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Turkel, M.C. (2004). Magnet Status: Assessing, Pursuing, and Achieving Nursing Excellence. HC Pro, Inc.