An Integrative Medicine Patient Care Model and Evaluation of Its Outcomes: The University of Michigan Experience

Abstract

The demand for integrative medicine care is increasing rapidly among patient consumers, yet the integrative medicine model is not the norm in clinical practice, nor is this approach a focus in traditional medical schools. Furthermore, patient well-being and satisfaction outcomes within an integrative care model are not common in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to offer a summary of a model of integrative medicine patient care and its evaluation and outcomes from the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Clinic. Using three tools to evaluate patient outcomes and satisfaction, statistically significant outcomes were noted. The SF-12 showed positive change in the physical component score, the Holistic Health Questionnaire showed improvements in all of the subscales of body, mind, and spirit, and a unique Integrative Medicine Patient Satisfaction Tool suggested high satisfaction with an integrative approach to care. Findings, limitations, and implications are discussed.