P06.06
Purpose: In 2002, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) developed a strategic plan to eliminate ethnic and racial disparities in health by improving access to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for underserved populations via collaborations with traditional health care providers. International Integrative Medicine Day (IIM Day) addresses this strategic plan and is maintained by inter-professional volunteers. IIM Day's mission statement is to inspire worldwide dialog, education, collaboration, research initiatives and programming about medicine that is patient-centered, holistic, economically and environmentally sustainable, and conscious of integrating different global medical systems.
Methods: An IRB-exempt quality improvement survey compiled data from 2011, 2012 and 2013 with 196 subjects responding. We used Survey Monkey and teleform as data collection tools.
Results: IIM day attendees ranged in age with 16% (31) under 21 years old and 25% (49) between 50–59 years old. 58% (113) of participants were female, with 74% (146) Caucasian and 14% (27) Asian. 27 % (52) of the responders were health professionals and 26% (51) were students. 78 % (153) attended conferences, 48% (94) ate a healthy meal and 39% (77) reflected on their personal health. 85% (166) agreed or strongly agreed that IIM Day increased knowledge about IM. When asked about the most important thing participants needed to further their education in IM, 48% (94) chose experiential workshops/retreats, 27% (53) were interested in web classes and talks, 23% (45) wished to attend IM rotations and 18% (36) wanted additional training in specific modalities. Qualitative responses suggest that participants found it meaningful to learn about the definition of integrative medicine, appreciated the moment for reflection, and valued interacting with like-minded individuals.
Conclusion: Creating structured learning opportunities amongst healthcare providers and community members may allow for more effective utilization of CAM practitioners.
Contact: Ilana Seidel, iseidel@wpahs.org
