The purpose of this survey was to develop suggestions for actions that might foster closer communication between mainstream (MM) and CAM practitioners.
There were 14 panel members.
- 3 Internal medicine physicians (one was also a homeopath)
- 1 Family practice physician
- 2 Psychiatrists
- 1 Psychologist
- 2 Acupuncturists
- 2 Chiropractors
- 2 Massage therapists
- 1 Naturopath
4 identified themselves as MM, 4 as integrative (IM) and 6 as CAM practitioners.
Areas of agreement.
- Patients should be active participants in their care.
- Practitioners should negotiate with patients so both understand the treatment and goals — patients are partners in the process of health.
- Involve patients in the healing process.
Suggestions least appealing or least likely to be implemented.
- Define healing in ways specific to patients rather than using normal as a benchmark
- Relying on computer information systems and Internet-based patient records to improve communication
- Have IM practitioners serve as a bridge between MM and CAM providers.
The bottom line?
I didn’t find anything surprising. You can read the entire article here.
4/30/07 19:41 JR