• ChungVincent C HVCHJockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong., Leonard T F Ho, Ting Hung Leung, and Charlene H L Wong.
• Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
• Br. Med. Bull. 2021 Mar 25; 137 (1): 70-81.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization advocates integration of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) into the conventional health services delivery system. Integrating quality services in a patient-centred manner faces substantial challenges when T&CM is delivered within a health system dominated by conventional medicine. This review has synthesized international experiences of integration strategies across different contexts.Sources Of DataPublications describing international experiences of delivering T&CM service in conventional healthcare settings were searched. Backward and forward citation chasing was also conducted.Areas Of AgreementCapable leaders are crucial in seeking endorsement from stakeholders within the conventional medicine hierarchy and regulatory bodies. However, patient demands for integrative care can be successful as demonstrated by cases included in this review, as can the promotion of the use of T&CM for filling effectiveness gaps in conventional medicine. Safeguarding quality and safety of the services is a priority.Areas Of ControversyDifferent referral mechanisms between conventional and T&CM practitioners suit different contexts, but at a minimum, general guideline on responsibilities across the two professionals is required. Evidence-based condition-specific referral protocols with detailed integrative treatment planning are gaining in popularity.Growing PointsInterprofessional education is critical to establishing mutual trust and understanding between conventional clinicians and T&CM practitioners. Interprofessional communication is key to a successful collaboration, which can be strengthened by patient chart sharing, instant information exchange, and dedicated time for face-to-face interactions.Areas Timely For Developing ResearchResearch is needed on the optimal methods for financing integrated care to ensure equitable access, as well as in remuneration of T&CM practitioners working in integrative healthcare.© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

9 keywords...

hide…