Integrative Health Competencies for Primary Care Professionals

Read how the competencies were developed and strategies for adoption.
This article was originally published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine.

  1. Practice patient-centered and relationship-based care.
  2. Obtain a comprehensive health history which includes mind-body-spirit, nutrition, and the use of conventional, complementary and integrative therapies and disciplines.
  3. Collaborate with individuals and families to develop a personalized plan of care to promote health and well-being which incorporates integrative approaches including lifestyle counseling and the use of mind-body strategies.
  4. Demonstrate skills in utilizing the evidence as it pertains to integrative healthcare.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge about the major conventional, complementary and integrative health professions.
  6. Facilitate behavior change in individuals, families and communities.
  7. Work effectively as a member of an interprofessional team.
  8. Engage in personal behaviors and self-care practices that promote optimal health and wellbeing.
  9. Incorporate integrative healthcare into community settings and into the healthcare system at large.
  10. Incorporate ethical standards of practice into all interactions with individuals, organizations and communities.

Competency Development

The Interprofessional Leadership Team (InPLT) has developed a set of 10 meta-competencies to guide curriculum development. Using the meta-competencies as a guide, InPLT representatives in coordination with primary healthcare professionals are developing specific competencies for these disciplines:

We would appreciate your feedback on the profession-specific competencies. Please contact us if you are interested in reviewing the specific competencies for your profession.