Integrative health care: A need for change?

Abstract

Integrative medicine is a comprehensive and holistic approach to health care in which all health care professionals work collaboratively, in an equal and respectful manner, to better meet the needs of the patient and community. Despite concerns about clinical evidence, practitioner competence and health care philosophy, such an approach is likely to increase health care choice, improve treatment outcomes, and allow patients to more effectively navigate through the range of available treatment options. An integrative health care model may also be of benefit in addressing the many limitations of the current health care system. Copyright © 2006 The Berkeley Electronic Press. All rights reserved.