Integrative Cardiac Wellness Group
Staff
Description of Service
General Information
The Integrative Cardiac Wellness group was initiated in 2008 when it was recognised that :
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Some complementary medicines and therapies have proven benefits according to randomised studies for hospital patients, including cardiac surgery patients
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Some complementary medicines have shown potential to improve patient outcomes and require further research to evaluate their efficacy and safety
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The majority of surgical patients are interested in having access to hospital based complementary medicine services
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A growing number of hospitals in the United States already offer complementary approaches to their patients yet little has been done to integrate these approaches in Australian hospitals
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In cardiovascular disease, the link between lifestyle and health is well established so integrative wellness interventions which encourage behavioural change would reinforce and extend current practices
The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Group is dedicated to :
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Researching complementary medicine interventions that address patients' physical needs and quality of life
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Researching practices that address lifestyle and emotions as well as physical needs.
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Providing evidence based educational programs for patients and staff.
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Assisting the cardiothoracic department in improving patient satisfaction and quality of life by integrating practices that address the needs of the whole person.
The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Group undertakes research of all its activities in order to determine the effectiveness of treatments and the feasibility of service delivery. Its work is funded by grants and philanthropic organisations.
Services Currently Provided
A. Pre-admission clinic
Cardiothoracic surgery patients attending The Alfred and seen by one of our team in the pre-admission clinic. Patients receive free metabolic supplements which consist of high grade fish oils capsules and quality antioxidant supplements which have been proven to improve patient outcomes. Patients are encouraged to start taking the supplements before surgery as part of a pre-surgery ‘tune-up'.
Patients are also encouraged to discuss any complementary medicines or therapies they have been using and receive evidence-based advice about their safety and effectiveness from our trained staff.
B. Inpatient services
A Wellness Educational Visit offers inpatients and families information and tools to help optimize recovery and wellness during and after the hospital stay. The program was developed out of research showing that positive emotions and expectations can help the body heal faster and with fewer complications. It also introduces some of the key messages for better cardiac health provided in cardiac rehabilitation programs.
We encourage patients to be aware of the role that stress, anxiety, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle play in the development of cardiovascular disease. Research shows that most cases of cardiovascular disease can be avoided by making physical exercise a habit, eating fish regularly and generally having a healthy diet, maintaining good personal connections with family and friends and smoking cessation.
Pastoral care staff is also available to provide spiritual comfort.
C. Cardiac rehabilitation
Participants attending the cardiac rehabilitation program at The Alfred receive a wellness education session which discusses the role of diet, lifestyle, stress management and complementary therapies in surgical recovery and long term health promotion. Feedback from patients indicates they find it useful, uplifting and gives them confidence towards making healthier choices.
D. Outpatient services
These are expected to commence later in 2010.
E. Patient and staff education
In the future, the Integrative Cardiac Wellness Group aim to hold wellness seminars so that patients, families and staff can learn more about the latest research findings about proven complementary medicines and therapies, and mind-body research.
F. Medical education
Over 70% of Australian use complementary medicines and approximately one third see complementary therapists such as massage therapists, naturopaths and chiropractors. To enable medical undergraduate students to have a better understanding of evidence based complementary medicines and their related safety issues, lectures are delivered by Dr Braun at Monash University, Clayton campus.
Dr Braun also lectures to the Masters of Chiropractic students at RMIT and is a frequent speaker at medical, pharmacy and complementary medicine conferences and continuing education seminars.
We would like to acknowledge and thank FIT-BioCeuticals Pty Ltd (‘FIT'), the major supporter of our research and services program and Blackmores Australia for long-term support
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