Introduction to integrative primary care: the health-oriented clinic.
Integrative medicine is healing-oriented medicine that accounts for the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. Integrative medicine emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative. This article describes ways to bring the integrative perspective into primary care practice. Several approaches are described, including some that are routinely used in the authors' practice. Changes in practice philosophy that can (1) help inform primary care redesign, (2) facilitate the creation of patient-centered medical homes, (3) strengthen provider-patient relationships, and (4) enhance patient satisfaction are also provided.
Fortney
Luke
L
Department of Family Medicine, Odana Atrium Family Medicine Clinic, University of Wisconsin, 5618 Odana Road, Madison, WI 53719, USA. luke.fortney@fammed.wisc.edu
Rakel
Dave
D
Rindfleisch
J Adam
JA
Mallory
Jill
J
D020446:Fitness Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D055048:Integrative Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States