Integrative medicine in Dutch curative and long-term healthcare centres: Mapping the field

Introduction Little is known about integration of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the Dutch healthcare system. The aim of the present study was to investigate how Integrative Medicine (IM) is practiced and how CAM is integrated with conventional medicine in curative and long-term healthcare centres in the Netherlands. Methods A mixed methodology was applied, including a systematic internet search, an online survey and focus groups among healthcare professionals. Results Most hospitals (92%) offered some form of CAM to treat anxiety (72%), restlessness (68%), pain (65%), sleeping problems (50%), stress (48%) and fatigue (36%). Mostly offered modalities were relaxation exercises (88%), art therapy (44%) and mindfulness (42%). Similar percentages of CAM use were found in other healthcare centres. Most CAM modalities were implemented without organizational vision, guidelines or protocols. Only 5% of implemented CAM was labelled as IM. Focus groups with health care professionals revealed the need to increase knowledge and to develop a vision for integration of CAM with conventional medicine, as well as to support effectiveness research in this area. Conclusions This study is the first in the Netherlands to quantitatively map the extent of CAM integration in conventional health care. The number of CAM interventions offered at conventional health care settings was surprisingly high. However, integration was fragmented. Guidelines, education and research programs are needed to further integration of CAM, preferably organised in a Dutch Consortium for IM.