Optimizing Integrative and Preventive Medicine

The practice of integrative and preventive medicine plays a critical role in improving the health and well-being of people, families, and communities. This chapter covers several key steps to optimize the effective practice of integrative and preventive medicine, including the importance the clinician–patient partnership; prioritizing pain, stress, and emotional distress; and clearly communicating the reasoning behind recommendations. The successful clinician should be able to engage with patients as partners through their health journey, make appropriate referrals to other members of the integrative medicine team, encourage self-efficacy and health behavior change, ensure patient understanding, and schedule periodic follow-up and reassessment.