Integrative medicine in residency: assessing curricular needs in eight programs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Integrative medicine in residency (IMR) is a competency-based online program designed to incorporate a core curriculum in integrative medicine (IM) into established residency training in family medicine. Results of a needs assessment survey developed to guide this curriculum design are presented and discussed. METHODS Faculty and residents from eight self-selected family medicine programs that agreed to pilot the IMR were invited to complete an online needs assessment survey. The survey included a mix of structured and open-ended questions. RESULTS A total of 222 respondents completed the survey, yielding a 60% response rate. Sixty-seven percent of faculty and residents preferred that IM be woven throughout all curriculum areas. The highest rated content topics were nutrition and supplements and physician wellness. Chronic illness, behavioral health, and outpatient medicine were the three top curricular areas seen to need enhancement with IM. Qualitative analysis revealed that 84% of respondents viewed IM as central to family medicine training, the care of patients, and the field of family medicine. Top challenges to implementation included limitations in time, resources, and acceptance. CONCLUSIONS The findings from the needs assessment serve as a resource for addressing curriculum design and potential challenges in implementation.