P02.01. Bending towards Integration: A Multiple Case Study Assessing the Progressive Landscape of Interprofessional Collaborative Care within US Integrative Healthcare Centers

Abstract

Focus Area: Sustainable Business PracticesA paradigm shift is underway in our healthcare system whereby traditionally allopathic medical centers are beginning to adopt non-allopathic modalities of healing into their practices. This phenomenon has influenced the widespread emergence of integrative healthcare centers throughout the country whereby multiple disciplines are housed under one institutional roof. There is much to be learned from these pioneering centers of collaborative practice, as their seasoned experience in assimilating systems of healing provides valuable insight into the intricacies of interprofessional team care and contributes to the prospect of new and improved healthcare models.This session presents key findings from a multiple case study whereby the following three US integrative centers serve as research participants to explore the inner dynamics of interprofessional collaborative care: Center for Continuum Health and Healing (CCHH) at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, New YorkIntegrative Medicine Center (IMC) at Yale-affiliated Griffin Hospital in Derby, ConnecticutNorthern Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH) in Waimea, Hawaii Data for this study were collected over a total period of 6 months, and in-depth interviews served as the primary source of qualitative information. Drawing from practitioner and staff perspectives within each center, the analysis illuminates perceived value factors and core challenges of interprofessional collaborative care, as well as underscores standout facilitators and best practices supporting the sustainability of integrative practices with an emphasis on communication forums, internal culture, and architectural design. Although the meta-findings address key barriers to multidisciplinary collaboration, the merits of converging healing paradigms in clinical practice is highlighted and a fundamental “bending” towards successful integration is celebrated. The conclusion of the study fuels optimism that the collective effort unique to the integrative model might serve as a successful blueprint to replace our ailing approach to medicine.