Journal article
Integrative health care - Toward a common understanding: A mixed method study
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Vol.30, pp.50-57
2018
PMID: 29389479
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Source: InCites
Abstract
To generate a multidisciplinary stakeholder-informed definition of integrative health care (IHC).
A mixed-method study design was used, employing the use of focus groups/semi-structured interviews (phase-1) and document analysis (phases 2 and 3). Phase-1 recruited a purposive sample of Australian health consumers/health providers. Phase-2 interrogated websites of international IHC organisations for definitions of IHC. Phase-3 systematically searched bibliographic databases for articles defining IHC. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Data were drawn from 54 health consumers/providers (phase-1), 23 IHC organisation webpages (phase-2) and 23 eligible articles (phase-3). Seven themes emerged from the data. Consensus was reached on a single, 65-word definition of IHC.
An unambiguous definition of IHC is critical to establishing a clearer identity for IHC, as well as providing greater clarity for consumers, health providers and policy makers. In recognising the need for a clearer description, we propose a scientifically-grounded, multi-disciplinary stakeholder-informed definition of IHC.
•Despite the growing popularity of IHC across the globe, there has been no consistent definition of the term.•A clear and consistent definition of IHC is critical to facilitating a common understanding of IHC.•An analysis of current IHC definitions revealed seven themes common to all.•Synthesis of these themes yielded a scientifically-grounded, multidisciplinary, stakeholder-informed, definition of IHC.
Details
- Title
- Integrative health care - Toward a common understanding: A mixed method study
- Creators
- Matthew John Leach (Author) - University of South AustraliaMarlene Wiese (Author) - Flinders UniversityManisha Thakkar (Author) - Endeavour College of Natural Health (Australia)Tamara Agnew (Author) - University of South Australia
- Publication Details
- Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Vol.30, pp.50-57
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991012911997102368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health; National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article