This article describes the integrative medicine (IM) approach and the current evidence-based developments in the Netherlands. The four basic considerations are (i) an equal partnership between doctor and patient, (ii) prevention and self-management, (iii) the use of a healing environment, and (iv) the use of safe and effective alternative and complementary therapies. Developments in integrative medicine clearly have an international outlook, with pioneers especially in the United States and England. Yet, increasingly, hospitals and other health care institutions in the Netherlands use IM techniques. Research into effectiveness of IM needs a boost to promote a discussion about the application of IM techniques in regular health care.
Keywords: integrative medicine, alternative and complementary therapies, prevention, self-management
