Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2003; 8: 126
The objectives of this project are: (1) to create a working definition of integrative health care; and (2) to identify ways of measuring outcomes and indicators of integrative health care in clinical, education and research settings.
An international, invitational 2-day workshop will be held in November 2002 to describe integrative health care practice. Prior to the workshop, the delegates will be asked to review background papers (prepared by the planning team) on two topics: defining integrative health care, and measuring outcomes and indicators of integrative health care. Facilitated small group discussions and plenary sessions will be used to stimulate discussion and reach consensus on these issues.
The key outcomes of this workshop will be: (1) a working definition of integrative health care; and (2) identification of ways to measure key outcomes and indicators of integrative health care. These are the first steps towards assessing the viability and effectiveness of integration between complementary/alternative health care and conventional medicine at a systems level. The outcome measures and indicators identified in this workshop can be used to begin to assess whether integrative health care results in higher quality health care and increased health for the population.
Integrative health care is an evolving concept that requires ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders. A working group will continue the dialogue that begins at this workshop, providing a catalyst for continued development of policy in this area.
