Integrating a Complementary Medicine Service Within a General Surgery Department: From Contemplation to Practice

From skepticism to openness: a qualitative narrative analysis of medical students' attitudes following an integrative medicine course

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to explore attitudes of medical students following a course in integrative medicine (IM) focused on palliative and supportive cancer.

METHOD

Attitudes to IM among pre-clerkship medical students were assessed following a 3-day required course, which included interviews with international experts in IM and "hands-on" workshops mentored by IM and non-IM healthcare professionals. Student reflections were analyzed qualitatively, and written narratives were examined thematically.

RESULTS

Of 161 students, 102 (63.4%) provided post-course reflections. The main narrative themes included pre-course attitudes, attitude changes and influencing factors, and insights on implementing IM in clinical practice. Pre-course attitudes were predominantly skeptical, with post-course attitudes more open and non-judgmental, addressing research on IM effectiveness and safety. Students looked favorably on the implementation of IM in clinical practice and felt the course enhanced communication with patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Student attitudes to IM shifted following the course, from a skeptical to a more non-judgmental and accepting approach. IM course may facilitate a better understanding of the limitations and risks of IM practices, particularly in the supportive cancer care setting, as well as implications regarding students' own resilience and professional growth.

Designing delivery models of traditional and complementary medicine services: a review of international experiences

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization advocates integration of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) into the conventional health services delivery system. Integrating quality services in a patient-centred manner faces substantial challenges when T&CM is delivered within a health system dominated by conventional medicine. This review has synthesized international experiences of integration strategies across different contexts.

SOURCES OF DATA

Publications describing international experiences of delivering T&CM service in conventional healthcare settings were searched. Backward and forward citation chasing was also conducted.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Capable leaders are crucial in seeking endorsement from stakeholders within the conventional medicine hierarchy and regulatory bodies. However, patient demands for integrative care can be successful as demonstrated by cases included in this review, as can the promotion of the use of T&CM for filling effectiveness gaps in conventional medicine. Safeguarding quality and safety of the services is a priority.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Different referral mechanisms between conventional and T&CM practitioners suit different contexts, but at a minimum, general guideline on responsibilities across the two professionals is required. Evidence-based condition-specific referral protocols with detailed integrative treatment planning are gaining in popularity.

GROWING POINTS

Interprofessional education is critical to establishing mutual trust and understanding between conventional clinicians and T&CM practitioners. Interprofessional communication is key to a successful collaboration, which can be strengthened by patient chart sharing, instant information exchange, and dedicated time for face-to-face interactions.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Research is needed on the optimal methods for financing integrated care to ensure equitable access, as well as in remuneration of T&CM practitioners working in integrative healthcare.

Professional Training in Integrative and Complementary Practices: the meanings attributed by Primary Health Care workers

OBJECTIVE

To understand the meanings attributed by Primary Health Care workers to the professional training process in Integrative and Complementary Practices.

METHOD

Descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach, carried out with 20 professionals from 14 health units in three municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of Goiânia, state of Goiás, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, transcribed and analyzed using the thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

Based on the analysis, the thematic category about training trajectories in Integrative and Complementary Practices emerged. It discusses that the training takes place through training provided by federal and municipal management or professional councils, via distance, semi-presential learning or in-person training. Furthermore, training courses are held at private educational institutions funded by the professionals themselves. Additionally, informal sources of information are used to obtain knowledge (internet, books and magazines).

CONCLUSION

The results show, on the one hand, insufficient and diffuse training, with limited supply and quality and, on the other hand, the need to increase educational strategies to improve the training of health professionals aiming at providing different Integrative and Complementary Practices in the Primary Health Care.

Postoperative analgesia by adding acupuncture to conventional therapy, a non-randomized controlled trial

Background Postoperative pain is common in patients hospitalized in surgical departments, yet it is currently not sufficiently controlled by analgesics. Acupuncture, a complementary medical practice, has been evaluated for its benefits in postoperative pain with heterogeneous results. We tested the feasibility of a controlled study comparing the postoperative analgesic effect of acupuncture together with standard-of-care to standard-of-care only. Methods In this pilot non-randomized controlled study conducted at a tertiary medical center in Israel, patients received either acupuncture with standard-of-care pain treatment (acupuncture group) or standard-of-care treatment only (control group) following surgery. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ratings for pain level at rest and in motion were evaluated both at recruitment and two hours after treatment. Acupuncture-related side effects were reported as well. Results We recruited 425 patients; 336 were assigned to the acupuncture group and 89 to the control group. The acupuncture group exhibited a decrease of at least 40% in average level of pain both at rest (1.8±2.4, p<0.0001) and in motion (2.1±2.8, p<0.0001) following acupuncture, whereas the control group exhibited no significant decrease (p=0.92 at rest, p=0.98 in motion). Acupuncture's analgesic effect was even more prominent in reducing moderate to severe pain at baseline (VAS ≥4), with a decrease of 49% and 45% of pain level at rest and in motion respectively (p<0.001), compared with no significant amelioration in the control group (p=0.20 at rest, p=0.12 in motion). No major side effects were reported. Conclusion Integrating acupuncture with standard care may improve pain control in the postoperative setting.

Complementary medicine for laboring women: a qualitative study of the effects of reflexology

Background

Despite pharmacological interventions, labor pain and anxiety still remain a challenge, and can carry long-term psychological complications. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of reflexology on these symptoms and to explore the physical and psychological components of women’s experience associated with this treatment.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in an Israeli university hospital that offers integrative medicine services. Reflexology was offered to laboring women in the hospital, by the medical staff. In-depth, open interviews were conducted with 36 women, still in hospital, who consented to be interviewed, within 48 h after delivery. Questions referred to their labor experience with reflexology treatment.

Results

Of the 36 participants, 34 (94%) described a positive and empowering experience. They reported reduced pain and anxiety, and an increased sense of self-efficacy brought about by the ability to become active and manage labor.

Conclusions

Using reflexology as one of the complementary medicine treatment available can contribute greatly to the entire labor experience as it empowers women and increases self-confidence and ability to self-manage labor and delivery.

First, keep it safe: Integration of a complementary medicine service within a hospital

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.

FORMAÇÃO EM PRÁTICAS INTEGRATIVAS E COMPLEMENTARES EM SAÚDE: DESAFIOS PARA AS UNIVERSIDADES PÚBLICAS

Resumo Legitimadas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares apresentam demanda crescente e têm a formação profissional como um dos maiores desafios para o seu avanço no Sistema Único de Saúde. O estudo quantitativo descrito apresenta a oferta de disciplinas e cursos em Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em seis instituições de ensino superior públicas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, em 2014, identificada em seus respectivos sites e secretarias segundo as variáveis: instituições de ensino superior, subárea de saúde, nível do ensino (graduação e pós-graduação), subtemas das Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (Homeopatia, Acupuntura, Meditação etc.), formato (obrigatório, eletivo ou optativo) e conteúdo (informativo ou formativo). Os resultados mostram uma oferta de 56 unidades de ensino, distribuída em quase todas as subáreas de saúde, com maior concentração em cursos de Medicina, Farmácia e Enfermagem. De perfil predominantemente opcional e informativo, apresenta a Homeopatia, Meditação e Práticas Corporais como temas mais frequentes. A análise desta oferta, apoiada na perspectiva do cuidado integral e referenciada em literatura nacional e internacional, aponta desafios para a ampliação e qualificação do ensino de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares, dentre eles a inserção integrada em cursos de saúde visando a interação e complementaridade entre saberes distintos.

Referrals to integrative medicine in a tertiary hospital: findings from electronic health record data and qualitative interviews

OBJECTIVE

To examine patterns of, and decision-making processes, informing referrals for inpatient access to integrative medicine (IM) services at a large, acute care hospital.

DESIGN

Retrospective electronic health record review and structured qualitative interviews.

SETTING

A 630-bed tertiary care hospital with an IM service available to inpatients.

PARTICIPANTS

IM referrals of all inpatients aged ≥18 years between July 2012 and December 2014 were identified using the hospital's electronic health record. Fifteen physicians, 15 nurses and 7 administrators were interviewed to better understand roles and perspectives in referring patients for IM services.

RESULTS

In the study hospital, primary sources of referrals for IM services were the orthopaedic and neuroscience/spine service lines. While the largest absolute number of IM referrals was made for patients with lengths of stay of 3 days or fewer, a disproportionate number of total IM referrals was made for patients with long lengths of stay (≥10 days), compared with a smaller percentage of patients in the hospital with lengths of stay ≥10 days. Physicians and nurses were more likely to refer patients who displayed strong symptoms (eg, pain and anxiety) and/or did not respond to conventional therapies. IM referrals were predominantly nurse-initiated. A built-in delay in the time from referral initiation to service delivery discouraged referrals of some patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional providers refer patients for IM services when these services are available in a tertiary hospital. Referral patterns are influenced by patient characteristics, operational features and provider perspectives. Nurses play a key role in the referral process. Overcoming cultural and knowledge differences between conventional and IM providers is likely to be a continuing challenge to providing IM in inpatient settings.

The process of care in integrative health care settings - a qualitative study of US practices

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of research on the organisational operations of integrative healthcare (IHC) practices. IHC is a therapeutic strategy integrating conventional and complementary medicine in a shared context to administer individualized treatment. To better understand the process of care in IHC - the way in which patients are triaged and treatment plans are constructed, interviews were conducted with integrative health care leaders and practitioners in the US.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a pragmatic group of fourteen leaders and practitioners from nine different IHC settings. All interviews were conducted face-to-face with the exception of one phone interview. Questions focussed on understanding the "process of care" in an integrative healthcare setting. Deductive categories were formed from the aims of the study, focusing on: organisational structure, processes of care (subcategories: patient intake, treatment and charting, use of guidelines or protocols), prevalent diseases or conditions treated, and the role of research in the organisation. The similarities and differences of the ITH entities emerged from this process.

RESULTS

On an organisational level, conventional and CM services and therapies were co-located in all nine settings. For patients, this means there is more opportunity for 'seamless care'. Shared information systems enabled easy communication using internal messaging or email systems, and shared patient intake information. But beyond this infrastructure alignment for integrative health care was less supported. There were no use of protocols or guidelines within any centre, no patient monitoring mechanism beyond that which occurred within one-on-one appointments. Joint planning for a patient treatment was typically ad hoc through informal mechanisms. Additional duties typically come at a direct financial cost to fee-for-service practitioners. In contrast, service delivery and the process of care within hospital inpatient services followed a more formalised structure.

CONCLUSIONS

IHC is a complex, emerging field with divergent meanings and interpretations. The structures and processes of the IHC entities reported provide insight to the variable ways in which IHC manifests whilst commonly holding a similar vision. This report contributes to understanding IHC, providing evidence for future planning, implementation and evaluation to meet patient needs and demands in this area.

Integrative Complementary Medicine for Treatment of Bariatric Perioperative Symptoms: Patients' Experiences and Staff Evaluations

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.

Treating postlaparoscopic surgery shoulder pain with acupuncture

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.