The Definition of Integrative Medicine

Integrative medicine or integrative health is a relatively new term and used in various ways by various people. Some use the term in a very limited way to describe a new and different approach to a clinical condition that in fact has nothing to do with integrating anything. Others use the term to mean complementary and alternative (CAM) services, and nothing more.

At the Marino Center, we believe that integrative medicine has a much deeper and comprehensive meaning that is in concert with the definitions promulgated by the Bravewell Collaborative, The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine, and the National Institutes of Health – National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). These definitions are presented below:

Bravewell Collaborative:

Integrative Medicine has the following characteristics:

1. Patient-centered care and focuses on healing the whole peson – mind, body, and spirit in the context of community;
2. Educates and empowers people to be active participants in their own care, and to take responsibility for their health and wellness;
3. Integrates the best of Western scientific medicine with a broader understanding of nature of illness, healing, and wellness;
4. Makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches and evidence-based global medical modalities to achieve optimal health and healing;
5. Encourages partnerships between the provider and patient, supports the individualization of care; and
6. Creates a culture of wellness.

The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine:

"Integrative medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, health care professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing."

National Institutes of Health – National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine:

"Integrative medicine combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM for which there is some high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness."

Regardless of how integrative medicine is defined and delivered, the true test of its value is how it effects the health status of patients (quality) and the impact on the consumption of health care resources (cost). If it improves the health and well being of patients and uses resources economically, it’s a winner! The Marino Center is committed to finding out the answer to the quality and cost questions and to be a leader in the health care reform movement.