Dutch integrative medicine physicians can improve quality of life of patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms-A cross-sectional observational study

Introduction: Integrative Medicine (IM) is a well-established patient centered health care vision which might benefit patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS). Case reports were collected from patients with MUPS treated by IM physicians in the Netherlands in order to illustrate IM treatment approaches and demonstrate potential benefits to patients.Methods: Case reports were classified according to the CARE guidelines from IM physicians who are members of the Medical Doctors Association for Integrative Medicine (AVIG). Data are presented and the quality was assessed using the JBI tool for case reports.Results: 21 case reports were submitted by 14 IM physicians, most of high quality. Most patients presented with multiple symptoms, of which the most frequently reported were pain (n = 14) and fatigue (n = 7). The average duration of the symptoms before the first consultation with the IM physician was 36 months (range 1.5 weeks up to 11 years). The average treatment duration was 20 months (range instantaneous up to 10 years). The most frequently used treatment modalities were supplements (n = 8), homeopathy (n = 5), neural therapy (n = 4), dietary advice (n = 4). The causality between the IM treatment and the outcome was judged to be very likely in 10 of the case reports, likely in 5 cases, possible in 1 case, unclear in 1 case and could have been the result of natural disease development in 4 of the cases.Conclusion: The case reports demonstrate that Integrative Medicine provides a highly personalized approach which may be beneficial for MUPS patients.