Abstract
Purpose: Integrative group medical visits (IGMVs) aim to increase access to complementary and integrative health care, which is particularly relevant for low-income people. We sought to describe IGMV programs in US safety-net clinics through a survey of providers.Methods: An online and paper survey was conducted to collect data on the use of complementary health approaches and characteristics of IGMV programs. We recruited a purposive sample of safety-net clinicians via national meetings and listservs.Results: Fifty-seven clinicians reported on group medical visits. Forty percent worked in federally qualified health centers, 57% in safety-net or teaching hospitals, 23% in other settings such as free clinics. Thirty-seven respondents in 11 states provided care in IGMVs, most commonly for chronic pain and diabetes. Nutrition (70%), mindfulness/meditation/breathing (59%), and tai chi/yoga/other movement practices (51%) were the most common treatment approaches in IGMVs.Conclusion: Safety-net institutions in 11 states offered IGMVs to treat a range of chronic conditions. IGMVs are an innovative model to improve access to non-pharmacologic approaches to chronic illness care and health promotion. They may advance health equity by serving patients negatively impacted by health and health care disparities.
Highlights
Over one-third of adults in the United States use complementary health approaches, most commonly for chronic disease management.[1,2] As defined by the National Institutes of Health, ‘‘complementary health approaches’’ include natural products and mind–body practices such as acupuncture and meditation.[2,3,4] Use is lower among those who are publicly insured (25%), uninsured (23%), or living in poverty (21%).[2]
Our findings indicate considerable interest in and enthusiasm for this model of care among clinicians around the country and demonstrate that Integrative group medical visits (IGMVs) include a wide range of complementary health approaches to treat patients with a variety of chronic conditions, including diabetes and chronic pain
Implications for Health Equity Despite these limitations, this study uniquely contributes to our knowledge of IGMVs in safety-net settings by describing the structure and scope of care provided in IGMVs
Summary
Over one-third of adults in the United States use complementary health approaches, most commonly for chronic disease management.[1,2] As defined by the National Institutes of Health, ‘‘complementary health approaches’’ include natural products (e.g., herbs, vitamins) and mind–body practices such as acupuncture and meditation.[2,3,4] Use is lower among those who are publicly insured (25%), uninsured (23%), or living in poverty (21%).[2].
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