Case conference on integrative medicine—Results of an experiment and future perspectives of a new interdisciplinary approach

Abstract

Background and aim Patients are often faced with a choice between conventional and complementary medicine. The aim of the innovative Case Conference on Integrative Medicine was to explore the interface between conventional and complementary forms of treatment and the potential of integrative approaches. Methods An interactive case conference was held in December 2006 in Dusseldorf, Germany. Experts in conventional medicine and complementary medicine (naturopathy, Chinese medicine including acupuncture, homeopathy, and anthroposophical medicine) discussed strategies for diagnosis and treatment based on two case reports on chronic pain diseases (fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome). Results Initially, the question of definitions and of the boundaries between conventional and complementary treatment strategies was not successful. The Physicians of different medical fields proposed multimodal treatment concepts including psychosomatic intervention that allowed for the inclusion of adjunctive therapy from either realm of medicine. However, as the focus turned to the patient and his or her complexity as an individual, the different points of view were brought closer together. In this regard, the diversity of perspectives was perceived as a valuable resource for promoting individualization in medical treatment. Conclusion The Case Conference on Integrative Medicine should serve as a model for testing similar activities in academic hospitals and establishing such approaches in routine care. This integrative strategy has the potential to improve patient care in medicine.