What is it about?
Psychoneuroimmunology is the science that links psychological processes and the immune system. This article describes the science of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and provides an overview of how interactions between psychological states and physiological function take place and some of the consequences for health and wellbeing. It reviews the relevance of research in PNI to nursing and considers its potential to strengthen the evidence base for therapeutic nursing and complementary therapies.
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Why is it important?
Nurses could enhance their practice considerably by understanding and applying the principles of PNI.
Perspectives
In some respects, PNI endorses something that nurses have always understood - that the practical or technical skills required of a professional nurse are only part of the skill range required to deliver effective caring. The evidence for PNI supports the notion of the caring professional being more than just a skilled technician - but someone with empathy, compassion, intuition and insight. The PNI 'evidence' supports understanding of these qualities and their effectiveness.
Dr Ron Iphofen
Independent
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Psychoneuroimmunology and health from a nursing perspective, British Journal of Nursing, November 2006, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2006.15.20.22298.
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