Integrative Health Care: Definition and examples of implementation in Oncology in France

Introduction

Integrative health is the combined use of conventional medicine, complementary medicine and lifestyle medicine. It is the result of the coordination of patient-centred, science and evidence-based health practices, delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Its objective is to enable the return or the maintenance of health in an optimal well-being. Its originality lies in the inclusion of the patients and their own representations of care in the overall management of their health.

Outlook

As a result of a strong demand from patients but also from caregivers, this North American concept is gradually being established in France. Since December 2019, the Strasbourg Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital Group has opened an Outpatients unit for Integrative care. Initially created in Aix-en-Provence in 2010, there are now 7 Resource centres which offer Well Being care and a Personalised Therapeutic Accompaniment Program. In Dunkirk, the Flanders House of Supportive Care (Maison des Soins de Support des Flandres) has been in operation since 2017. In Paris, since 2018, the Rafaël Institute offers 9000 integrated treatments per year. All these treatments are free of charge for the patient.

Conclusion

In treating the whole person, understanding the needs and values of each patient, by looking after the quality of life as much as seeking to cure, integrative health care makes it possible for caregivers to link the treatment goals with good and new practices for and with the patient.