Integrative Medicine Commons^™

Utilization Of Acupuncture Services In The Emergency Department Setting: A Quality Improvement Study, John R. Burns, Jessica J. F. Kram, Vashir Xiong, Jeanne M. Stark Casadont, Tiffany A. Mullen, Nancy Conway, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Jessica Kram, MPH

Purpose: Patients often present to the emergency department (ED) for pain. As opioid fatalities rise, alternative treatments are warranted for pain management. Acupuncture, a nonpharmacological treatment involving the insertion of needles into skin or tissue at specific points within the body, may help to decrease acute pain. Our study aimed to assess the utilization and impact of acupuncture in the ED for acute pain management.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of purposefully collected quality improvement data. Patients who were ≥18 years old and who presented to the ED at an urban medical center in Wisconsin during 2017 were offered ...

An Integrative Approach To Mindfulness-Based Symptom Management For Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lisa Barer

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic health condition; its etiology is poorly understood, and treatment options are limited to management of symptoms. Current recommended treatment options are controversial, and evidence of effectiveness is limited. This paper proposes a novel model for symptom management of ME/CFS using mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and relaxation techniques. A comprehensive review of available evidence is used to support this approach. The idea is that, working synergistically, these three approaches, grounded by mindfulness-based principles, can address many of the symptoms of the illness and help patients better cope and ...

Utilization Of Acupuncture Services In The Emergency Department Setting: A Quality Improvement Study, John R. Burns, Jessica J. F. Kram, Vashir Xiong, Jeanne M. Stark Casadont, Tiffany A. Mullen, Nancy Conway, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Patients often present to the emergency department (ED) for pain. As opioid fatalities rise, alternative treatments are warranted for pain management. Acupuncture, a nonpharmacological treatment involving the insertion of needles into skin or tissue at specific points within the body, may help to decrease acute pain. Our study aimed to assess the utilization and impact of acupuncture in the ED for acute pain management.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of purposefully collected quality improvement data. Patients who were ≥18 years old and who presented to the ED at an urban medical center in Wisconsin during 2017 were offered ...

Oncogenesis- Kaleidoscopic And Multi-Level Reality, Firmilian Calota, Cristian Mesina, Stelian Stefanita Mogoanta, Dragos Calota

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Oncogenesis is an extremely complex phenomenon. The mechanisms by which cancer is induced is only partially known. Consequently, therapeutic targets may be uncertain and results are often unsatisfactory. The purpose of this paper is to develop a trans-level and multiple transdisciplinary perspective describing the kaleidoscopic reality of oncogenesis. This manner of understanding oncogenesis as a complex process characterized by a non-linear dynamic, far from equilibrium and with unpredictable evolution, transcends the classical perspective and requires a paradigm shift. This approach is also facilitated by recent studies that focus on group phenomena, with emerging behaviors in a continuous phase transition. Biological ...

Overcoming The Overwhelming, Abigail Mae Riitano

Akesis

This piece was inspired by a CPC prompt that required reflection on where we feel we are currently as medical students and how it compares to our expectations before starting medical school. I believe this relates to the theme "always forward" as I reflected on my expectations and realized that I need to give my positive perspectives room to grow.

Not Now, Psoas., Kelly Mcguirl

Akesis

My psoas is always tight.

Sometimes I’m too intense.

My psoas reminds me with a collegial cramp.

Usually on my dominant side.

I notice, but push through, telling my psoas to shut the hell up, I’m busy.

When it’s quiet,

I notice and allow the guidance.

I soften and submit to a gentleness of mind and muscle.

The ease that comes is an honest breeze that carries me through.

A Home Death On Peaks Island, Chuck Radis

Akesis

I believe that those who die, particularly those like my patient Martha, can teach the living a great deal about “Always Forward.” All too often I find that the immediate family of the deceased becomes stuck in grief, unable to move beyond their loss. My patient Martha, by allowing her children to participate directly in bathing her after she passed was very wise in anticipating how powerful grief can be. She wanted the healing to take place even on the day she passed. And I have to think that her insistence that I come by the house the night she ...

Essential Skills For Family Medicine Residents Practicing Integrated Behavioral Health: A Delphi Study, Matt Martin, Leslie Allison, Elizabeth Banks, David Bauman, Jennifer Harsh, Amber L. Hewitt, Linda Myerholtz, Max Zubatsky, Larry Mauksch

Center for Integrated Primary Care Publications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are several trends compelling physicians to acquire team-based skills for interprofessional care. One underdeveloped area of team-based skills for physicians is integrated behavioral health (IBH) in primary care. We used a Delphi method to explore what skills were needed for residents to practice integrated behavioral health.

METHODS: We conducted a literature review of IBH competencies and found 41 competencies across seven domains unique to physicians. Using a modified Delphi technique, we recruited family medicine educators to rate each competency as "essential," "compatible," or "irrelevant." We also shared findings from the Delphi study with a focus group ...

Integrative Group Medical Visits: A National Scoping Survey Of Safety-Net Clinics, Ariana Thompson-Lastad, Paula Gardiner, Maria T. Chao

Open Access Articles

Purpose: Integrative group medical visits (IGMVs) aim to increase access to complementary and integrative health care, which is particularly relevant for low-income people. We sought to describe IGMV programs in US safety-net clinics through a survey of providers.

Methods: An online and paper survey was conducted to collect data on the use of complementary health approaches and characteristics of IGMV programs. We recruited a purposive sample of safety-net clinicians via national meetings and listservs.

Results: Fifty-seven clinicians reported on group medical visits. Forty percent worked in federally qualified health centers, 57% in safety-net or teaching hospitals, 23% in other settings ...

The Effect Of Narrative Medicine Combined With Medication Assisted Treatment On Decreasing The Desire To Use Intravenous Substances In Hospitalized Patients With Infective Endocarditis, Paula Works

DNP Projects

Substance abuse is a significant problem that spans the nation. Of particular concern is the growing population of patients at UK HealthCare who have endocarditis as a complication from IV substance abuse.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were

1. To assess the effect of narrative medicine combined with MAT, compared to MAT alone, on desire to use in hospitalized patients with a history of IV substance use
2. To examine the changes in quality of life before and after the introduction of narrative medicine in hospitalized patients with a history of IV substance abuse using The Quality of Life Scale (QOLS ...

Oh Bother!, Jack Williams Phd, Med

Akesis

I often ponder those wonderful days of innocence, and I long to return there as I remember those magical places and things. What imaginations and lightness we had in those times! And our worries, when and if they existed, were like wisps of the wind. We would fall down, cry perhaps a little, then return again and again to the wondrous realities of play. As I have become "a senior citizen" in our often stodgy culture, I have come to realize that we never really lose those wondrous gifts....We just have to remember and work to remind ourselves of ...

Refill, Humza Ahmed

Akesis

The experiences we carry with us play a role in how we see the world. At times, those experiences are accompanied by the negativity, self judgement, and regret that can weigh us down and prevent us from becoming the strongest versions of our selves.

Sometimes, the solution involves finding an environment in which we can pour out our poisons, forgive ourselves for being human, and refill ourselves with positivity and hope.

The defining moment comes when you stare at the puddle of poison before you, and reflect on what you see staring back at you, behind the ripples of self ...

Re-Purpose, Jordan Morrison-Nozik

Akesis

I would often take breaks from studying by walking along the beach, collecting any good seashells I would find. I started using them as plant holders, and enjoyed the hermit crab-like appearance.

Refrigerate, Alay P. Nanavati

Akesis

I just wanted to share my experience of burnout since beginning medical school. Given how widespread and common burnout is in the medical field, I felt like there would be many people who could relate to my experience. If my experience could help or even comfort anyone by the fact that they are not alone in the feelings that arise from burnout, it would make this piece worth the effort of writing for me. If anything else, I hope any readers can enjoy reading about the experience of a brand new medical student.

Retrospective Evaluation Of Clinical Experience With Intravenous Ascorbic Acid In Patients With Cancer., Anthony J. Bazzan, George Zabrecky, Nancy Wintering, Andrew B. Newberg, Daniel A. Monti

Marcus Institute of Integrative Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Intravenous ascorbic acid (IV AA) has been used extensively in cancer patients throughout the United States. Currently, there are limited data on the safety and clinical effects of IV AA. The purpose of this study was to expand the current literature using a retrospective analysis of adverse events and symptomatic changes of IV AA in a large sample of cancer patients.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients receiving IV AA for cancer at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital over a 7-year period. We assessed all reports of adverse events, laboratory findings, and hospital or emergency ...

Mother Nature, Breanna M. Glynn

Akesis

Mother Nature is our greatest teacher in the lesson of patience and new growth. She makes us wait for the sweet moments, but when they come how lucky we are to bear witness to her beauty. She renews life, and breaths fresh air into the dead leaves that winter has plastered onto the ground. She reminds us that with death, comes more vibrant and boisterous life. We just need to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Boompa, Breanna M. Glynn

Akesis

My Boompa was my mother's father, and my beloved grandfather. He passed away this April just after his 85th birthday. He, and the rest of the family, thought he would make it to at least 100. Boompa was one of the greatest people I will ever meet. Yea, sure, a lot of people say that, but I really mean it. He was the most kind, genuine, empathetic, hardworking man, always taking care of others first. This photo is a picture of the eucalyptus and pussy willows that were in the floral arrangement that laid over his coffin during his ...

A Love Song, Jack Williams Phd, Med

Akesis

For us to truly succeed in our chosen work of helping and healing, we must succeed in listening deeply to ourselves and to others--listening to the voices of our hearts. Without this wholeness, we become shells of ourselves and cannot be fully present for others in their healing. I wrote this poem in celebration of my best friend and partner, Beth. During our 43 years together, our oneness has given me the courage and creativity needed to work in the service of others far beyond what I could have ever achieved alone. She has helped me to laugh and to ...

Tai Chi For Reducing Dual-Task Gait Variability, A Potential Mediator Of Fall Risk In Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Gloria Vergara-Diaz, Kamila Osypiuk, Jeffrey M. Hausdorff, Paolo Bonato, Brian J. Gow, Jose Gv. Miranda, Lewis R. Sudarsky, Daniel Tarsy, Michael D. Fox, Paula Gardiner, Cathi A. Thomas, Eric A. Macklin, Peter M. Wayne

Center for Integrated Primary Care Publications

Objectives: To assess the feasibility and inform design features of a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effects of Tai Chi (TC) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and to select outcomes most responsive to TC assessed during off-medication states.

Design: Two-arm, wait-list controlled RCT.

Settings: Tertiary care hospital.

Subjects: Thirty-two subjects aged 40-75 diagnosed with idiopathic PD within 10 years.

Interventions: Six-month TC intervention added to usual care (UC) versus UC alone.

Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes were feasibility-related (recruitment rate, adherence, and compliance). Change in dual-task (DT) gait stride-time variability (STV) from baseline to 6 months was defined ...

Historical And Cross-Cultural Perspectives On Parkinson's Disease, Lee Xenakis Blonder

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting up to 10 million people worldwide according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Epidemiological and genetic studies show a preponderance of idiopathic cases and a subset linked to genetic polymorphisms of a familial nature. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda recognized and treated the illness that Western Medicine terms PD millennia ago, and descriptions of Parkinson’s symptomatology by Europeans date back 2000 years to the ancient Greek physician Galen. However, the Western nosological classification now referred to in English as “Parkinson’s disease” and the description of symptoms that define ...