Perceptions and use of complementary and integrative health practices among rehabilitation professionals: A survey

Abstract

Despite increasing use of complementary and integrative health (CIH) by rehabilitation providers, information on rehabilitation professionals’ perceptions and utilization of CIH is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate rehabilitation professionals’ perceptions, utilization, barriers and research of CIH in the United States. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on the perceptions, utilization, barriers and research regarding CIH. Survey invitations were posted on community boards of rehabilitation associations and sent to rehabilitation institutions listserv in 2020. Of 405 respondents, the majority of respondents were physical therapists (PTs) (34%), then, occupational therapists (OTs) (20%), and physicians (16.8%). Most respondents (68%) worked in settings offering integrative health. Forty three percent of respondents were trained and 22% were certified in CIH practice. Breathing exercises, meditation, massage, and yoga were the most commonly utilized practices for self-care and patient care. Physicians and PTs were more likely than OTs to initiate discussion about CIH with patients ( p =.001 and p =.046 respectively), and senior practitioners were more likely to initiate these discussions than junior practitioners ( p =.037 and p <.001, respectively). Peer-reviewed publications, clinical experience, and personal experience with CIH were the most selected factors affecting respondents’ attitudes toward CIH practices. Rehabilitation clinicians reported that insufficient provider reimbursement and insufficient skills were the primary obstacles to CIH practice. Rehabilitation researchers reported that insufficient funding as the primary obstacle to conducting CIH research. Rehabilitation professionals commonly utilize CIH in practices for self-care and patient care, and they perceive insufficient training, clinical reimbursement and research funding as the main barriers to advancing CIH.