WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE CARE?
Multidimensional Integrative Medicine was developed to meet the patient’s needs and rights. It consists of a patient-centric care model that integrates functional, emotional, cognitive, and social components, improving the quality of shared decision-making. In a patient-centric care model, the patient and their family are the protagonists, and the doctor assumes the supporting role. The model naturally leads to a comprehensive and personalized medical assessment. Although the recommendations follow international criteria, supported by levels of evidence, their applicability is customized. The main objective is to use all available technical resources to promote full patient understanding and participation. Emotional barriers are overcome with a qualified doctor-patient relationship. When facing a crisis, patients use defense mechanisms that need to be managed with sensitivity and flexibility. Some resources from cognitive psychology are used to exercise empathy. The attending physician must provide a detailed description of the diagnosis and treatment in a clear and accessible language. These interventions result in the patient’s recovery of self-esteem, resumption of daily life activities, and social reintegration.
