Definition of Integrative Practice in Healthcare
Integrative medicine is the use of evidence-based complementary practices in coordination with evidence-based conventional care, focusing on treating the whole person rather than a single disease or organ system. 1
Core Definition and Distinction from Related Terms
Integrative practice fundamentally differs from "alternative medicine" by working alongside—not replacing—conventional treatment. 1 The key distinctions are:
- Complementary medicine: Use of a therapy in conjunction with conventional medicine 1
- Alternative medicine: Use of a therapy in place of conventional medicine—this is not supported and can be harmful 1
- Integrative medicine: Evidence-based complementary practices coordinated with evidence-based conventional care 1
- Integrative oncology: Application of complementary and integrative therapies in collaboration with conventional oncology care 1
Essential Components of Integrative Practice
The practice framework encompasses four key elements that distinguish it from conventional care alone 2:
- Philosophy/Values: Patient-centered, healing-oriented approach that emphasizes the therapeutic relationship 3, 4
- Whole-person focus: Addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of health 3, 5
- Evidence-based integration: Uses therapeutic approaches from both conventional and complementary medicine that have demonstrated safety and efficacy 1
- Coordination of care: Brings together multiple modalities in a coordinated manner rather than parallel practice 2
What Integrative Practice Includes
Examples of integrative therapies include natural products (vitamins, minerals, botanicals) and mind-body practices (yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage). 1 These are used as adjuncts to mainstream medicine to control symptoms and improve quality of life 1
Critical Distinction: What Integrative Practice Is NOT
The term "CAM" (complementary and alternative medicine) has been replaced by "CIM" (complementary and integrative medicine) to explicitly exclude "alternative" approaches that replace conventional treatment. 1 This distinction is crucial because:
- Alternative therapies used instead of conventional cancer care are typically fraudulent and harmful 1
- They often discourage proven treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy 1
- Patients who postpone needed conventional treatment diminish their possibility of remission and cure 1
Clinical Application Framework
Integrative practice aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the care continuum while empowering patients to become active participants in their treatment. 1 The approach requires:
- Open communication between healthcare providers and patients about all therapies being used 1
- Assessment and documentation of complementary therapy use as part of standard practice 1
- Evidence-informed decision support regarding which therapies have demonstrated benefit versus those that are ineffective or harmful 1
- Active monitoring for potential interactions or adverse events 1