Spinecare Topics
Cooperative Spinecare
Integrated Team Approach To Spine Problems
The term integrated in this context means multiple individuals working together. At the national level, there is an increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There is also increased CAM integration with conventional approaches particularly in the field of spinecare. This is reflected by the growing prevalence of multidisciplinary clinics. Integrated spinecare provides continuity and coordination of patient care where it may otherwise be fragmented.
An integrated approach to spinecare may be successfully accomplished through the networking of healthcare specialist within different facilities or it may be accomplished within one facility. Many terms have been used to describe this type of cooperation. Some of these terms are integrative medicine, integrated medicine, integrative healthcare, and multidisciplinary care. Some practitioners find themselves naturally adopting a multidisciplinary approach to spine care whereas other practitioners may be slow to advance. The goals of an integrated team approach include improved continuity of care, cost efficient care, an earlier diagnosis, timely intervention, and better therapeutic outcomes.