Integrative Health Care: a Need for Change?

Matthew J. Leach, University of South Australia, Adelaide

Abstract

Integrative medicine is a comprehensive and holistic approach to health care in which all health care professionals work collaboratively, in an equal and respectful manner, to better meet the needs of the patient and community. Despite concerns about clinical evidence, practitioner competence and health care philosophy, such an approach is likely to increase health care choice, improve treatment outcomes, and allow patients to more effectively navigate through the range of available treatment options. An integrative health care model may also be of benefit in addressing the many limitations of the current health care system.

Submitted: November 10, 2005 · Accepted: January 9, 2006 · Published: February 16, 2006

Recommended Citation

Leach, Matthew J. (2006) "Integrative Health Care: a Need for Change?," Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Vol. 3 : Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jcim/vol3/iss1/1

 
 
 
 

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