Integration of complementary medicine in hospital departments: implementation model and research outline in the Cardiology Department

BACKGROUND: Systematic integration of complementary medicine in hospital departments for inpatients is rarely discussed in the medical literature. Positive outcomes from trials in this setting should encourage evaluation of complementary medicine services in hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the potential role of complementary medicine in the Cardiology Department, characterize its implementation process, and conduct a feasibility study in this context.

METHODS: A narrative overview of the implementation process of complementary medicine in the Cardiology Department was used alongside a statistical analysis of a feasibility trial This was in order to determine the sample size for a larger pragmatic trial that will assess the effectiveness of complementary medicine, as compared to standard of care, in relieving common symptoms of patients hospitalized in the Cardiology Department.

RESULTS: Focus groups consisting of representatives from the Cardiology Department, and the Complementary Medicine Service identified areas for possible integration of complementary medicine in the Cardiology Department. A literature review was conducted in order to assess complementary medicine effectiveness and safety in this setting. Consequently, appropriate treatment protocols were developed. The Complementary Medicine team participated in cardiology patient rounds, and presentations on complementary medicine were provided to the cardiology staff. Treatment indications, and contraindications were mutually developed, and questionnaires to assess treatment effectiveness were developed. A feasibility trial was completed for 237 patients who were treated with complementary medicine.

CONCLUSIONS: Integration of complementary medicine in an inpatient setting is possible following a carefully structured implementation process that is shared by champions from the medical department and the Complementary Medicine Service. Results from the feasibility trial indicate the potential positive role that complementary medicine treatments have on common symptoms of inpatients at the Cardiology Department. There is a need for high quality trials that will assess the effectiveness of complementary medicine treatments in this setting.