A novel integrative healing services approach for neurosurgery inpatients: Preliminary experiences and cost calculations

Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery : Advanced Techniques and Case Management
John RoufailSumeet Vadera

Abstract

Neurosurgery inpatients are oftentimes critically ill, and face significant stress, post-operative pain, and/or emotional distress. As a result, the use of non-pharmacologic, alternative therapies as adjuncts in surgical care may benefit this patient population. Hospital economics related to integrative services may also provide additional incentive to providing alternative therapies. This study characterizes and evaluates how Integrative Healing Services (IHS) affects patient pain levels and length of stay. We also performed a literature review to examine national trends in inpatient integrative healing. An IHS team (e.g. acupuncture, healing touch, music therapy, pet therapy, and counseling) was incorporated into the treatment regimen of neurosurgery inpatients (with >4days of stay) with chronic or intractable pain, stress or depression, and/or patients intolerant to or who failed physical or occupational therapy. 34 charts were retrospectively reviewed, with 17 patients receiving IHS (11 cranial and 6 spine cases), and 17 age and gender matched controls receiving routine care (11 cranial and 6 spine patients). Overall, 71% (12/17) of patients had a reduction in pain medication consumption, with 55% (6/11) of cranial and 100%...Continue Reading

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