Journal article
The effectiveness of integrative healthcare for chronic disease: a systematic review
International journal of clinical practice (Esher), Vol.73(4), p.e13321
2019
PMID: 30721565
Metrics
31 Record Views
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Abstract
Background: The past few decades have witnessed a surge in consumer, clinician and academic interest in the field of integrative healthcare (IHC). Yet, there is still uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of IHC for complex, long-term health conditions.</p>
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of IHC for the management of any chronic health condition.</p>
Methods: Seven databases and four clinical trial registries were searched from inception through to May 2018 for comparative/controlled clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of IHC for any chronic disease, and assessing any outcome. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool.</p>
Results: The search yielded 6,926 results. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies had at least three design features that carried an uncertain/high risk of bias. Differences in physiological, psychological and functional outcomes, and quality of life between patients receiving IHC and patients receiving conventional/usual care were varied and inconsistent. Changes in patient satisfaction with care were inconclusive. No studies reported the effectiveness of IHC on workforce- or administration-related parameters. Evidence from one trial suggested IHC may be more cost-effective than conventional care.</p>
Conclusions: The findings indicate some promising effects for the use of IHC to manage chronic disease. However, the uncertain/high risk of bias across multiple domains, diverse and inconsistent findings, and heterogeneity of outcome measures and study populations prevents firm conclusions from being reached. Along with conducting further well-designed, long-term studies in this field, there is a need to ensure interventions closely align with the definition/principles of IHC.
Details
- Title
- The effectiveness of integrative healthcare for chronic disease: a systematic review
- Creators
- Matthew J Leach - University of South AustraliaHeather Eaton - University of South AustraliaTamara Agnew - University of South AustraliaManisha Thakkar - Endeavour College of Natural Health (Australia)Marlene Wiese - Flinders University
- Publication Details
- International journal of clinical practice (Esher), Vol.73(4), p.e13321
- Publisher
- England
- Grant note
- NA / Endeavour Project Grant
- Identifiers
- 991012863199602368
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article