Integrative Oncology in Vancouver B C Inspire Health
Integrative Oncology in Vancouver, B. C. Inspire. Health Integrative Cancer Care Experience October 4, 2007 Presenter: Hal Gunn , M. D.
Inspire. Health • Not-for-profit • Founded in 1997 (Centre for Integrated Healing) • First physicians in Canada to be funded to provide integrative care: on salary through MSP • Over 4, 000 cancer patients served to-date • Current capacity of 600 new cancer patients per year: 4 physicians
Inspire. Health’s Philosophy • honouring both science and wisdom • our primary role as physicians/practitioners is reconnecting people to their own wisdom and empowerment • emphasize the simple and inexpensive things that patients can do to optimize health and healing. • emphasize both patient and practitioner self-care.
Foundations of Health Conventional Medical Therapies Complementary Therapies Vitamins and Supplements Sleep, Rest and Relaxation Exercise Healthful Water Healthful Diet Avoidance of Physical Toxins Stress Reduction Emotional Connection Body-Mind Awareness Personal Autonomy Spiritual Connection Hope Will to Live
Eight Components 1. Weekly Physician led “Fireside Chat” 2. Life Enhancing 2 -day program 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 90 -minute Consultation with a Physician Life Enhancing Advanced Group Program Core Health Classes Associate Practitioner Visits Follow-up Consultations with a Physician Research Information Resources
Key Concepts: Core Health Definition Core Health Treatments Self-Care • pharmaceuticals • surgery • nutrition • radiation • exercise • stress reduction • sleep Shared-Care • empathy Core Health • acupuncture • herbs • chi gong • love/compassion • empowerment • supplements • emotional support • homeopathy • spiritual support • i. v. vitamins
Alternative Medicine Health-supportive approaches perceived as having no benefit 10 Doctor Complementary Medicine Integrative Medicine Health-supportive approaches perceived as improving quality of life, but having no effect on recurrence or survival Health-supportive approaches perceived as helping to prevent cancer, reduce recurrence and improve survival Power 0 Patient All routine cancer treatments eliminate cancer cells Focus is on treatment and early detection Disconnect between treatment and prevention Routine cancer treatments also include those that support health Prevention routinely advised as part of care
Stage 3 B and 4 Lung Cancer Patients Inspire. Health vs. Standard Survival
Health Care Provider Responsibility Treatment Doctor Patient Healing
Sympathy vs. • Feeling sorry for • Patient feels perceived as Victim • disempowering Empathy • Compassion • Patient feels perceived as fully capable of dealing with illness • empowering
Inspire. Health Community Culture Agreement • Self-Responsibility • Teamwork • Open Communication • Authenticity and Integrity • Personal Growth
Our Goal Our long-term goal is to promote and participate in the creation of an integrated health care system in British Columbia - an economically sustainable health care system that inspires people to live healthy, happy and passionate lives.
Inspire. Health Suite 200 – 1330 West 8 th Avenue Vancouver, BC V 6 H 4 A 6 Tel: (604) 734 -7125 www. inspirehealth. ca To sign up for our Research Updates contact rstibravy@inspirehealth. ca
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