Pediatric Integrative Medicine in Academia: Stanford Children's Experience

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Pediatric Subspecialties
• Academic Medical Centers

Background:

• Pediatric integrative medicine is an emerging field with limited description in US academic medical centers.
• Early research suggests promise for integrative modalities in treating common pediatric conditions like IBS, pain, headache, and allergies.
• Increasing pediatric illness complexity necessitates a focus on holistic patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight evidence of effective integrative treatments in pediatric subspecialties.
• To describe the establishment of a new pediatric integrative medicine program.
• To summarize early program efforts and discuss barriers and success factors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of evidence for integrative treatments in pediatric subspecialties.
• Description of the process for establishing a new pediatric integrative medicine program.
• Summary of initial program activities and qualitative analysis of challenges and facilitators.

Main Results:

• Evidence supports integrative medicine for conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, pain, headache, and allergies.
• The establishment of the program involved interdisciplinary collaboration and resource allocation.
• Early efforts focused on patient access and integration with existing pediatric services.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric integrative medicine programs are feasible and beneficial in academic settings.
• Successful implementation requires addressing potential barriers and identifying key success factors.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the impact of integrative medicine on pediatric health outcomes.