Integrative care for the management of XXXX : use of a clinical care pathway.

@entity1 @entity615 @entity1643
BACKGROUND: For the treatment of @entity615 , it has been theorized that integrative care plans can lead to better outcomes than those achieved by monodisciplinary care alone, especially when using a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and non-hierarchical team approach. This paper describes the use of a care pathway designed to guide treatment by an integrative group of providers within a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A clinical care pathway was used by a multidisciplinary group of providers, which included acupuncturists, chiropractors, cognitive behavioral therapists, exercise therapists, massage therapists and primary care physicians. Treatment recommendations were based on an evidence-informed practice model, and reached by group consensus. Research study @entity1 were empowered to select one of the treatment recommendations proposed by the integrative group. Common principles and benchmarks were established to guide treatment management throughout the study. RESULTS: Thirteen providers representing 5 healthcare professions collaborated to provide integrative care to study @entity1 . On average, 3 to 4 treatment plans, each consisting of 2 to 3 modalities, were recommended to study @entity1 . Exercise, massage, and acupuncture were both most commonly recommended by the team and selected by study @entity1 . Changes to care commonly incorporated cognitive behavioral therapy into treatment plans. CONCLUSION: This clinical care pathway was a useful tool for the consistent application of evidence-based care for @entity1643 in the context of an integrative setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00567333.
