The IMCO scheme as a tool in developing team-based treatment for people with multiple sclerosis
Laila Launsø1, Lasse Skovgaard
1The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|January 18, 2008
Summary
This study explored collaboration between conventional and alternative practitioners for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. The IMCO scheme facilitated understanding of different treatment models, improving integrative care for persons with MS.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Healthcare collaboration
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) management
Background:
- Growing use of alternative therapies by persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
- Initiation of a 7-year integrative treatment project by the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society.
- Demand from PwMS for integrated conventional and alternative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if collaboration between conventional and alternative practitioners optimizes MS treatment outcomes.
- To introduce tools for developing effective practitioner collaboration.
- To present the IMCO scheme for visualizing treatment models.
Main Methods:
- Development and implementation of practitioner-researcher seminars.
- Utilizing the IMCO (Intervention, Mechanism, Context, Outcomes) scheme.
- Analyzing practitioner-specific treatment models and patient pathways.
Main Results:
- IMCO schemes revealed differences in interventions and outcome assumptions between medical doctors and homeopaths.
- Highlighted variations in understanding contextual factors influencing treatment.
- Demonstrated the utility of IMCO in mapping diverse therapeutic approaches.
Conclusions:
- The IMCO scheme is valuable for developing team-based treatment approaches in MS care.
- Facilitates self-reflection on professional roles in integrative healthcare.
- Supports the development of effective collaborative treatments for persons with MS.
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