Measuring the development of integrative care communication patterns and cross-disciplinary knowledge at a university clinic: a baseline cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The initiation of multiple clinical programs within a previously single-purpose health care institution brings multiple health care providers together under one roof. A baseline cross-sectional survey was undertaken to measure the development of integrative care communication patterns and cross-disciplinary knowledge at a health sciences university clinic.

METHODS: This study was conducted by means of 3 separate surveys administered to all complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) faculty clinicians, CAM student interns, and patients attending CAM therapy at a university clinic (National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, Ill). The CAM therapies included acupuncture and Oriental medicine, chiropractic medicine/doctor of chiropractic, massage therapy, and naturopathic medicine/naturopathic doctor.

RESULTS: Consultations between practitioners, including clinicians and interns, of different professions were predominantly informal in nature. The highest level of familiarity was with chiropractic philosophy; the lowest level was with naturopathic philosophy. Clinicians were very familiar with the philosophies of the other professions, with interns and patients being variably familiar with the other professions' philosophies. Less than 20% of patients reported being referred to another care provider. Clinicians, interns, and patients indicated that they would like additional opportunities to take advantage of multiple professions working together.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is an initial assessment of the knowledge, communication patterns, and actions within the clinic during these early stages of integration. Recommendations for integrating both clinical care and educational processes within a multiple professions university are considered.