The implementation of integrative medicine in the Netherlands: a national survey among hospitals, psychiatric-, revalidation- and academic centres

M. Hofstede, I. von Rosenstiel, Miek C. Jong, J. Meijer. 2009. The implementation of integrative medicine in the Netherlands: a national survey among hospitals, psychiatric-, revalidation- and academic centres. European Journal of Integrative Medicine.
Pagina's / pages: 2
Taal/language: Engels
Abstract / summary in English:

Objectives Integrative Medicine (IM) is based on four pillars: i) relation of health professional with patient; ii) patients’ responsibility in own healing process; iii) use of evidenced-based and safe complementary therapies; and iiii) healing environment. There is significant and growing national interest for introducing IM pillars into conventional medical centres and practices in the Netherlands. However up till now, no quantitative data are available about the impact of IM on national healthcare in the Netherlands. The current study aims to investigate the implementation of the four pillars of IM in the Netherlands, in qualitative terms of health programmes, education, research and human resource management, as a baseline to evaluate future planned IM implementation. Methods The present study was designed as a cross-sectional survey with a nation wide random sample of board members, directors, medical staff and personnel working at hospitals (± 100), psychiatric centres (± 100), revalidation centres (± 30) and other relevant academic centres (± 7). They will be approached by e-mail with an online questionnaire that will take 10 minutes to complete. A reminder email, including the questionnaire once more, will be send to non-responders 2 weeks later. The questionnaire comprises closed and open questions about the following topics: i) familiarity with the term IM and/or applied health programs or concepts of IM (such as Planetree; the use of mind-body interventions or other complementary treatments); ii) fase of internalisation (development, preparation, implementation) of each pillar in iii) health programmes; iv) education; v) research; and vi) human resource management; vii) use of complementary therapies (such as mind-body techniques, homeopathy, TCM, massage and use of life style coach); viii) need for knowledge, education and/or research.

Keywords in English: Integrative medicine, survey, Dutch health care
Tweede taal / secondary language Nederlands
Trefwoorden in Nederlands: Integrative medicine, enquete, nederlandse gezondheidszorg