IC4

IC4 Program: Integrative Medicine, Communication, Compassion and Chronic Care Research Program

Modern healthcare requires effective tools for improving communication between patients and providers, especially in the area of chronic care. The Institute of Medicine’s report, Crossing the Quality Chasm, calls for “providing patients with services in a technically competent manner, with good communication, shared decision making, and cultural sensitivity.” Additionally, integrative medicine, encompassing complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies, is becoming widely used in the civilian as well as in the military healthcare settings.  An innovative and coordinated approach is necessary for improving communication, integrating CAM therapies, and working with compassion with patients and their families in the delivery of chronic care in the military healthcare.

Goal

Develop and test an innovative, coordinated approach to the delivery of effective communication, compassion and integrative medicine in the care of chronically ill patients.

Objectives

• Increased communication skills and improved cohesion of patient care team
• Improved delivery of integrative medicine therapies
• Improved clinical outcomes and increased satisfaction of all parties in chronic disease and  chronic care management
• Reduced costs compared to current healthcare delivery system
• Increased knowledge of effective communication skills training programs through ongoing assessment and research at IC4 Program training sites

Application to the Military

The IC4 program will directly improve the health and performance of military service members and their families. The military is a highly mobile and transient health care environment with patients, practitioners, and teams constantly changing assignments and locations. Rapid adaptability, effective communication and teamwork are essential. The IC4 program aims to produce an effective, efficient approach for training healthcare practitioners and patients in communication and team building; skills essential to good healthcare in any setting. In addition, healthcare practitioners and service members need to learn about the potential benefits and adverse consequences of CAM and self-care practices.  The IC4 Program will address each of these key areas in both medical education and healthcare delivery in the military.

Research Partners

• Indiana University School of Medicine
• Walter Reed Army Medical Center
• Allina Health Care System