Integrative medicine outcomes : what should we measure?

The outcomes of Integrative medicine (IM) that combine biomedicine with traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) are broad, reflecting the integration. IM is concerned with acute and chronic diseases, holistic approaches, and health promotion and wellness. Before commencing a research program in a primary care IM clinic, stakeholders were interviewed about IM outcomes. Everyone thought Physical Health and Mental Health were important. Those with a more holistic view of health thought a broader range of topics should be measured. Less important topics were lifestyle; health-related aspects of life satisfaction and quality of life; and healthcare evaluation. However, no one thought these should be excluded. Spirituality was the most contentious. Some commended its inclusion. For others, once religiousness and God were removed, the remaining elements should be relocated to the domains of mental health and life satisfaction. The results highlight the importance of consulting stakeholders before measuring outcomes.