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Chen YA, Chen CL. Case study of sustainable service design in the hospitality industry. CHINESE MANAGEMENT STUDIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/cms-08-2020-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore how creative-cultural hotels can achieve sustainable service design through the development of a holistic conceptual framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors created this framework using a qualitative exploratory multi-case study of four creative-cultural hotels in Taiwan. The framework comprises strategic, organizational and interface levels to describe the design process and implementation of service offerings that co-create value within a multifaceted network of actors.
Findings
The findings of this study show that incorporating local arts and culture into sustainable service design can generate unique value and experiences for customers. From the perspective of sustainable development, these hotels seek to add value by using local creative and cultural resources to ensure that they have a sound commercial base from which to showcase their cultural features. As such, this study recommends that the hotel industry shift its focus to a paradigm that provides a strategic and sustainability-framed vision to create value for society while protecting local natural and cultural resources.
Originality/value
This multilevel model reframes the development of customer value constellations through a holistic understanding of user experience, eco-design practice, service encounters aligned with user touchpoints and front-line employee capabilities. To integrate the perspectives of both service providers and their customers, the proposed model embeds these stakeholders within a single model through the vehicle of local value co-creation. This holistic framework can assist in designing sustainable service within the hospitality industry to deliver better services and customer experiences. The findings provide an illustration of how the proposed multilevel sustainable-development-oriented service design framework can serve as a useful tool in guiding hotels toward corporate sustainability.
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Naji FB, Wahab K, Hamadeh G, Hlais S. Perspectives of physicians on medical acupuncture in Lebanon: a preliminary study. Acupunct Med 2020; 39:538-544. [PMID: 33322911 DOI: 10.1177/0964528420968835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are no regulations governing the practice of acupuncture in Lebanon as it is not yet registered as a profession. To our knowledge, no studies have ever been conducted in Lebanon regarding the practice of acupuncture. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the knowledge of Lebanese physicians about acupuncture, with the intent of conducting larger scale studies and developing strategies aimed at refining this knowledge in the future, and the ultimate goal of setting guidelines for acupuncture practice in Lebanon. METHODS An online survey looking into physicians' knowledge of acupuncture, its mechanisms of action, effectiveness, indications and safety, and physicians' understanding of its concepts, was circulated to 4651 physicians registered in the Lebanese orders of physicians. RESULTS One hundred forty-nine physicians (3.2%) completed the survey. Most study respondents stated that they were unaware of the difference between traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) and Western medical acupuncture (WMA). Overall, 30% of respondents had personally used and/or referred patients for acupuncture. Physicians who had personally tried acupuncture were more likely to refer patients for acupuncture (p < 0.001). Those who know the difference between WMA and TCA were more likely to have tried or referred for acupuncture (p = 0.004). 72% believed that acupuncture and other integrative medicine modules should be introduced in medical curricula in Lebanon. CONCLUSION Interest in acupuncture among physicians in Lebanon appears to be limited, based on the low response rate. Among respondents, physicians who had tried or referred patients for acupuncture appeared to be more well informed about different acupuncture styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadila Bassem Naji
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Kamal Wahab
- Geriatrics and Hospice and Palliative Medicine Department, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ghassan Hamadeh
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sani Hlais
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Family Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Levy I, Attias S, Stern Lavee T, Avneri O, Cohen G, Balachsan S, Sagi S, Schiff E. The effectiveness of foot reflexology in reducing anxiety and duration of labor in primiparas: An open-label randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2020; 38:101085. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.101085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Arnon Z, Attias S, Keshet Y, Schiff E. Integrating acupuncturists in a western hospital: A qualitative study in a hospital in Israel. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2019; 36:164-169. [PMID: 31383434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zahi Arnon
- Complememtary Medicine Service, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Samuel Attias
- Complememtary Medicine Service, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel; School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Keshet
- Western Galilee Academic College, Emek Yezreel Academic College, Emek Yezreel, 19300, Israel
| | - Elad Schiff
- Complementary Medicine Service and Internal Medicine, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
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Complementary and alternative medicine interventions for perioperative symptoms: A comparative effectiveness study. Complement Ther Med 2019; 44:51-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Schiff E, Levy I, Arnon Z, Ben-Arye E, Attias S. First, keep it safe: Integration of a complementary medicine service within a hospital. Int J Clin Pract 2018; 72:e13082. [PMID: 29665222 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper sought to explore risk/safety considerations associated with the integration of a complementary medicine (CM) service within a public academic medical centre in Israel. METHODS We reviewed various sources pertaining to the CM service (interviews with CM staff, patients' electronic charts, service guidelines, correspondence with hospital administration) and conducted a thematic analysis to evaluate safety-related incidents during the 7 years of operation. In addition, we systematically assessed the charts for reports of treatment-associated adverse effects, which were documented in an obligatory field on treatment reports. RESULTS After reviewing transcripts of interviews with 12 CM practitioners and with the director and vice-director of the CM service as well as transcripts of 8560 consultations that included 7383 treatments, we categorised 3 major domains of CM safety management: (i) prevention of safety-related incidents by appropriate selection of CM practitioners and modalities, (ii) actual adverse incidents and (iii) prevention of their recurrence using both hospital and CM service safety protocols. CM staff reported 5 categories of adverse incidents, most of which were minor. Twenty-nine adverse incidents were documented in the 7383 treatment sessions (0.4%). CONCLUSIONS Safety management needs to be addressed both before introducing CM services in hospitals and throughout their integration. Important considerations for the safe integration of CM practices in the hospital include communication between CM and conventional practitioners, adherence to hospital safety rules, implementing a systematic approach for detecting and reporting safety-related incidents and continuous adaptation of the CM service safety protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Schiff
- Internal Medicine B Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
- Complementary Medicine Service, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ilana Levy
- Internal Medicine B Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zahi Arnon
- Complementary Medicine Service, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eran Ben-Arye
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Integrative Oncology Program, Oncology Service, Lin Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Haifa, Israel
| | - Samuel Attias
- Complementary Medicine Service, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Arnon Z, Steinberger D, Attias S, Grimberg O, Peterfreund I, Schiff E, Keshet Y. Nurses as boundary actors: Promoting integrative medicine in hospital wards. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018; 31:96-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ben-Arye E, Shulman B, Eilon Y, Woitiz R, Cherniak V, Shalom Sharabi I, Sher O, Reches H, Katz Y, Arad M, Schiff E, Samuels N, Caspi O, Lev-Ari S, Frenkel M, Agbarya A, Admi H. Attitudes Among Nurses Toward the Integration of Complementary Medicine Into Supportive Cancer Care. Oncol Nurs Forum 2018. [PMID: 28632238 DOI: 10.1188/17.onf.428-434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore the attitudes of nurses treating patients with cancer regarding the use of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life (QOL).
. DESIGN Prospective and descriptive.
. SETTING 12 hospital and community care settings in Israel.
. SAMPLE 973 nurses working in oncology and non-oncology departments.
. METHODS A 26-item questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of nurses treating patients with cancer.
. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Interest in CIM integration and training in supportive cancer care.
. FINDINGS Of the 973 nurses who completed the questionnaire, 934 expressed interest in integrating CIM into supportive cancer care. A logistic regression model indicated that nurses with a greater interest in integration tended to be older, believed that CIM improved patients' QOL, and had no structured postgraduate oncology training. Nurses who believed CIM to be beneficial for QOL-related outcomes were more likely to express interest in related training. The goals of such training include improving QOL-related outcomes, such as anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and pain.
. CONCLUSIONS Most nurses working with patients with cancer are interested in the integration of CIM into supportive cancer care.
. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Most nurses would like to undergo training in CIM to supplement conventional care. CIM-trained integrative nurses can help promote the integration of patient-centered CIM therapies in supportive cancer care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hiba Reches
- Rabin Medical Center and Davidoff Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Ofer Caspi
- Rabin Medical Center and Davidoff Cancer Center
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García-Escamilla E, Rodríguez-Martín B, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Integration of acupuncture into conventional medicine from health professionals’ perspective: A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Health (London) 2015; 20:176-200. [DOI: 10.1177/1363459315574116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture is a prominent Complementary Medicine. Although health professionals’ conceptions of acupuncture may affect its utilisation and integration within conventional medicine, these aspects have not been well studied. The aim of this review was to analyse the integration of acupuncture into conventional medicine from the perspective of health professionals. We conducted a systematic review and a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies that analysed the integration of acupuncture into conventional medicine grounded in participants’ perspectives. A systematic search was undertaken in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library Plus, Scopus and CINAHL. This review included 18 articles: 6 analysed the viewpoint of physicians, 3 of nurses and 9 comprised different health-related professionals. Most of these studies included healthcare professionals practising acupuncture and took place in sites where the relation between acupuncture and biomedicine is favourable. The most used research techniques were convenience sampling, semi-structured interviews and interpretative approach. The holistic approach of acupuncture and its lack of adverse effects were highlighted by the analysed studies. This led to health professionals encouraging its integration into conventional medicine. The main obstacles perceived for the integration were lack of knowledge and institutional support. In general, acupuncture has been adapted to the biomedical model (often practised in an unsystematic and individual manner), and it is conceived as a supplement of Western medicine. ‘Working together’ and overcoming the biomedical model are recognised by the participants as key conditions for successful integration of acupuncture.
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Kreindler G, Attias S, Stoppelman N, Lousky D, Arnon Z, Isipovitch IG, Morani M, Ben-Arye E, Dubretzki-Merry I, Schiff E. A tongue's tale – A case report of traditional Chinese medicine integration in the cardiology department. Complement Ther Med 2014; 22:1041-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Keshet Y, Attias S, Ben-Arye E, Shaham M, Grimberg O, Schiff E. Integrative Complementary Medicine for Treatment of Bariatric Perioperative Symptoms: Patients' Experiences and Staff Evaluations. Bariatr Surg Pract Patient Care 2014; 8:108-112. [PMID: 24761369 DOI: 10.1089/bari.2013.9980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A unique integrative complementary medicine (CM) pilot program was launched in a general surgery department at a public teaching hospital in Israel. In addition to standard supportive care, CM treatments are used to support patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in coping with perioperative distresses. We examined the experiences of patients and how the nursing staff evaluate these treatments. METHODS Qualitative semi-structured open-ended interviews were used. RESULTS Most patients reported that the treatments helped them to cope better with preoperative anxiety, and facilitated postoperative breathing and pain relief. Nurses reported that CM treatments enabled them to reduce doses of analgesics. Both patients and nurses suggested that preoperative CM treatment facilitated a better postoperative CM-associated outcome. CONCLUSIONS Integrative perioperative CM treatments improved pain and anxiety care in patients undergoing LSG. More research is needed to examine CM efficacy in improving standard LSG perioperative supportive care and to evaluate cost effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Keshet
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Western Galilee Academic College , Akko, Israel
| | - Samuel Attias
- Complementary/Integrative Surgery Service, Bnai Zion Medical Center , Haifa, Israel
| | - Eran Ben-Arye
- Lin Medical Center , Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District, Israel
| | - Miri Shaham
- PACU Service, Bnai Zion Medical Center , Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofra Grimberg
- Surgery Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center , Haifa, Israel
| | - Elad Schiff
- Internal Medicine Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center , and The International Center for Health, Law & Ethics, Haifa, Israel
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Kreindler G, Attias S, Kreindler A, Hen H, Haj B, Matter I, Ben-Arye E, Schiff E. Treating postlaparoscopic surgery shoulder pain with acupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2014; 2014:120486. [PMID: 24864149 PMCID: PMC4017844 DOI: 10.1155/2014/120486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture on postlaparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) which is a common side effect in patients undergoing abdominal laparoscopic surgery. Methods. Patients with moderate to severe PLSP in spite of analgesic treatment, which were referred by the medical staff to the Complementary-Integrative Surgery Service (CISS) at our institution, were provided with acupuncture treatment. The severity of PLSP and of general pain was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. Pain assessment was conducted prior to and two hours following acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture treatment was individualized based on traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis. Results. A total of 25 patients were evaluated during a 14-month period, from March 2011 to May 2012. A significant reduction in PLSP (mean reduction of 6.4 ± 2.3 P < 0.0001) and general pain (mean reduction 6.4 ± 2.1 P < 0.0001) were observed, and no significant side effects were reported. Conclusion. Individualized acupuncture treatments according to traditional Chinese medicine principles may improve postlaparoscopic shoulder pain and general pain when used in conjunction with conventional therapy. The primary findings of this study warrant verification in controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gur Kreindler
- Complementary and Integrative Surgery Service, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb Street, 31048 Haifa, Israel
| | - Samuel Attias
- Complementary and Integrative Surgery Service, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb Street, 31048 Haifa, Israel
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, 31905 Haifa, Israel
| | - Anna Kreindler
- Faculty of Management, Tel-Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040 , 69978 Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Haim Hen
- Complementary and Integrative Surgery Service, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb Street, 31048 Haifa, Israel
| | - Bassel Haj
- Department of General Surgery, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb Street, 31048 Haifa, Israel
| | - Ibrahim Matter
- Department of General Surgery, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb Street, 31048 Haifa, Israel
| | - Eran Ben-Arye
- Complementary and Traditional Medicine Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technion International School, Mauerberger building, 2nd floor, Technion City, 3200003 Haifa, Israel
| | - Elad Schiff
- Complementary and Integrative Surgery Service, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb Street, 31048 Haifa, Israel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb Street, 31048 Haifa, Israel
- The Department of Complementary/Integrative Medicine, Law and Ethics, The International Center for Health, Law and Ethics, Haifa University, 199 Aba Khoushy Avenue, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
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Ben-Arye E, Schiff E, Zollman C, Heusser P, Mountford P, Frenkel M, Bar-Sela G, Lavie O. Integrating complementary medicine in supportive cancer care models across four continents. Med Oncol 2013; 30:511. [PMID: 23435989 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-013-0511-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The need to integrate complementary medicine (CM) consultation in supportive care of patients with cancer is acknowledged by oncologists owing to the ongoing research on CM efficacy and awareness of its potential risks. In this article, we aim to provide oncologists with models for CM integration within supportive care. Descriptive analysis of key elements which facilitate CM integration is presented by physicians leading six integrative cancer care programs across four continents. Perspectives of integration are supplemented by a literature review, quantitative data on the clinical activity in each center, and qualitative narrative-based citations of seven oncology patients and healthcare providers. It is recommended that CM consultation be provided by physicians with extensive CM training. The following key elements were identified as essential for integrative program design within oncological supportive care: (1) Location of the integrative physician (IP) room within the oncology department area, (2) Required oncologist referral to CM consultation, (3) Allocated time to IP-oncologist communication, (4) Research-based integrative practice, (5) Inclusion of paid professional CM practitioners, (6) Institutional cost covered service. Integration of CM consultation within oncological supportive care needs to take in account six key elements that ensure high-quality evidence-based concomitant integrative practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Ben-Arye
- Integrative Oncology Program, The Oncology Service, Lin Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, 35 Rothschild St., Haifa, Western Galilee, Israel.
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Ben-Arye E, Visser A. The role of health care communication in the development of complementary and integrative medicine. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2012; 89:363-367. [PMID: 23122835 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, complementary medicine (CM) approaches are integrated within a growing number of health care services worldwide. Implementation of CM within primary, secondary and tertiary settings of health care requires attention to a variety of communication challenges. In this special issue of Patient Education and Counseling 23 articles are presented about the patient-provider communication on complementary approaches, and the implementation and integration of CM in health care. Parallel to CM integration in the clinical arena, this special issue emphasizes the importance of two complementary axes: in medical education and in research, particularly on management of chronic illness and life-threatening diseases. The three legs of the integrative stool--research, education, and clinical practice--are perceived in the light of open, non-judgmental patient-health care provider-CM practitioner communication and a patient-centered bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Ben-Arye
- Complementary and Traditional Medicine Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Israel.
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Samuels N, Zisk-Rony RY, Zevin S, Becker EL, Yinnon AM, Oberbaum M. Use of non-vitamin, non-mineral (NVNM) supplements by hospitalized internal medicine patients and doctor-patient communication. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2012; 89:392-398. [PMID: 22854226 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study non-vitamin, non-mineral (NVNM) supplements use and disclosure of among hospitalized internal medicine patients. METHODS A convenience sample of patients completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire examining use of and perceptions regarding NVNM supplements, and disclosure to medical personnel. RESULTS 280 patients were interviewed (54% female), 15.4% reporting NVNM supplement use. This practice was more prevalent among female patients (p=0.045), more educated (p<0.001) and patients with more impaired quality-of-life, measured by the SF-12 tool (p<0.020). The most common factor influencing NVNM supplement use was a physician's recommendation. Most (74%) patients using NVNM supplements reported having disclosed this practice to community-based physicians, with only 23.7% disclosing to hospital staff. Six patients reported using supplements at the exclusion of conventional medication, with potentially serious implications. CONCLUSION While the majority of patients using NVNM supplements are sharing this information with their primary-care physicians, there is little disclosure of this practice to hospital staff. This may be due to a perceived negative attitude of medical professionals to complementary medicine, and a lack of awareness by hospital staff regarding such practices. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Hospital-based medical professionals need to be aware of the use of NVNM supplements and the resulting implications by their internal medicine patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Samuels
- Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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