Despite widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients in the United States, most conventionally trained clinicians remain relatively uninformed and/or resistant to CAM practices. Skepticism is based largely on the notion that the distinction between conventional and unconventional care is the base of evidence. However much of conventional care also fails to meet the prevailing standards of evidence; unsubstantiated care is not unique to CAM. There is a clear need for the cultivation of rigorous research that will serve to identify optimal interventions for specific indications, regardless of whether they have historically been considered conventional or alternative. Such a research program has been implemented in the newly created Integrative Medicine Center (IMC) at Griffin Hospital, in Derby, CT, a Yale-affiliated community hospital, home to both the IMC, and the CDC-funded Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center. The IMC provides patients dual evaluation by allopathic and naturopathic physicians, with referral to a panel of providers spanning conventional and CAM services as indicated. Panel members assist in the systematic data capture necessary for outcomes evaluation. Research methods applied include randomized and nonrandomized interventions, as well as quasi-experimental designs; sponsoring insurers will assist in the evaluation of patient utilization patterns. MPH students from the Yale School of Public Health will help coordinate and develop the IMC research agenda, using the resources provided by the Prevention Research Center. This uniquely collaborative model promises to advance integrative care, research, and training, while contributing to the evidence base for CAM practices.
Learning Objectives: During this oral presentation, interested CAM and conventional medicine providers and researchers will be able to learn from the experiences of an integrative medicine center that is actively engaging in outcomes research to evaluate best practices across chronic conditions
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Research Agenda
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center and the Integrative Medicine Center at Griffin Hospital
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.