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Integrative and Complementary Medicine in Healthcare: Practice, Research, and Innovation
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Integrative and Complementary Medicine in Healthcare: Practice, Research, and Innovation

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2026 | Viewed by 3787

Editor

Prof. Dr. Lorna Kwai-Ping Suen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Nursing, Tung Wah College, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Interests: nursing; public health; complementary and alternative medicine/integrative treatment approaches; infection control; interventions for managing problems in community-dwelling elderly

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, Integrative and Complementary Medicine in Healthcare: Practice, Research, and Innovation. In recent years, the growing recognition of integrative and complementary medicine (ICM) has reshaped contemporary health practice by emphasizing holistic, patient-centered approaches that blend conventional and evidence-based traditional therapies. As global health systems face complex challenges—ranging from chronic disease management to mental well-being—ICM offers promising pathways to enhance quality of care, safety, and sustainability.

This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge research, innovative clinical models, and translational studies that bridge science, tradition, and modern healthcare systems. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary contributions that explore evaluations and digital innovations supporting ICM practice. By advancing the scientific understanding and implementation of integrative approaches, this issue seeks to foster dialog among practitioners, researchers, and policymakers toward a more inclusive and holistic healthcare future.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Original research or clinical trials on therapies like acupuncture, auricular therapy, and herbal medicine.
  • Chronic Disease Management: Applications in diabetes, mental health, and aging, including prevention strategies.
  • Integration Models: Policy and clinical frameworks blending ICM with conventional care.
  • Innovation and Technology: AI-driven diagnostics and telehealth in ICM.
  • Article Types: Original articles, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, case studies, and perspective pieces on interdisciplinary ICM advances.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Lorna Kwai-Ping Suen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • integrative medicine
  • complementary therapies
  • auricular therapy
  • evidence-based ICM
  • chronic disease management
  • herbal medicine
  • mind–body practices
  • health policy integration
  • AI in healthcare
  • systematic reviews

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 834 KB  
Article
Development of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Lifestyle Medicine Program for Depression: A Multi-Method Study
by Jia Yin Ruan, Sha Li, Fen Xu, Fiona Yan Yee Ho, Teris Cheung, Janice Yuen Shan Ho, Wai Chi Chan, Hai Yong Chen, Dennis Cheuk Wing Au, Rebecca Wing Yan Lee, Yim Wah Mak and Wing Fai Yeung
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1631; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121631 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 315
Abstract
Introduction: Evidence supports using multicomponent lifestyle medicine programs to alleviate depression, yet few studies detail the program development process. This study aimed to systematically develop a complex lifestyle medicine program for depression based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. Methods: A stepwise, multi-method [...] Read more.
Introduction: Evidence supports using multicomponent lifestyle medicine programs to alleviate depression, yet few studies detail the program development process. This study aimed to systematically develop a complex lifestyle medicine program for depression based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. Methods: A stepwise, multi-method study was conducted. The preparation phase involved understanding the public health issue, identifying resources, and reviewing published evidence. Based on these results, a Delphi survey was performed, followed by an analysis of the context understanding as well as design and refinement of the program. Subsequently, the program was modeled, and a program theory was developed, incorporating explanations and assumptions in a relevant conceptual framework and logic model. Results: A complex lifestyle medicine program and program manual were established. The program involves three major themes, each with six 120 min weekly consecutive sessions: nourishing the heart (two sessions), nourishing according to the time (two sessions), and nourishing the Qi (two sessions). The program covered TCM theory and practice to promote healthy sleep, diet, stress management, and self-administered acupressure and TCM exercise. Teaching materials were created accordingly. Conclusions: This study reports the development of a complex multicomponent TCM lifestyle medicine program to relieve depression thoroughly and transparently, with a specific focus on the Hong Kong context and a particular focus on TCM theory. The developed program will be examined for feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy in alleviating depression in a mixed-methods clinical study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative and Complementary Medicine in Healthcare: Practice, Research, and Innovation)
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22 pages, 1192 KB  
Article
Patient Satisfaction with Advanced Medical Technology-Based Treatments in Integrative Medicine: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach Among Patients with Chronic Diseases
by Prajisteanu Constantin-Bogdan, Anamaria-Cătălina Radu, Georgeta Ionescu, Daniel Diaconescu and George Mihail Man
Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111485 - 27 May 2026
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Background: Integrative and complementary medicine has gained increasing recognition as a patient-centered approach to managing chronic conditions, particularly through the integration of advanced medical technologies into conventional care. These approaches aim to enhance treatment effectiveness, improve patient experience, and support long-term health outcomes, [...] Read more.
Background: Integrative and complementary medicine has gained increasing recognition as a patient-centered approach to managing chronic conditions, particularly through the integration of advanced medical technologies into conventional care. These approaches aim to enhance treatment effectiveness, improve patient experience, and support long-term health outcomes, while promoting a more holistic and personalized model of healthcare delivery. Methods: This study employs a cross-sectional quantitative research design based on a sample of 159 patients who underwent treatments involving advanced medical technologies integrated into integrative medicine protocols. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach to assess the relationships between key determinants and patient satisfaction. Results: The findings indicate that patient satisfaction is significantly associated with perceived benefits and trust, while prior experience and perceived costs exert weaker effects. In contrast, perceived outcomes and service quality did not show statistically significant associations with patient satisfaction within the analyzed sample. The independent variables included in the model explained 69% of the variance in patient satisfaction. Furthermore, patient satisfaction explained 42% of the variance in patients’ intention to reuse such treatments. Conclusions: The patients included in the study reported high levels of satisfaction with advanced medical technology-based treatments in integrative medicine. The results highlight the importance of perceptual factors, particularly perceived benefits and trust, in shaping patient satisfaction within integrative care settings. These findings may support the integration of advanced medical technologies into patient-centered healthcare models and contribute to the ongoing development of innovative and sustainable practices in integrative and complementary medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative and Complementary Medicine in Healthcare: Practice, Research, and Innovation)
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Review

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21 pages, 444 KB  
Review
The Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine Among Chinese Seniors in Canada and the United States: A Scoping Review
by Ping Zou, Yanjin Huang, Tingqi Huang, Daniel D’Souza, Xiyi Wang, Hui Zhang, Yeqin Yang, Yan Luo and Yao Wang
Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101310 - 12 May 2026
Viewed by 637
Abstract
Introduction: Chinese seniors in North America represent a growing population, and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) continues to play an important role in their health practices; however, TCM use has not been comprehensively synthesized from an immigrant perspective in North America. The purpose [...] Read more.
Introduction: Chinese seniors in North America represent a growing population, and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) continues to play an important role in their health practices; however, TCM use has not been comprehensively synthesized from an immigrant perspective in North America. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore the use of TCM by Chinese seniors in Canada and the United States of America (USA). Methods: This scoping review is written in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AgeLine, ERIC, ProQuest, Nursing and Allied Health Database, PsycARTICLES, Sociology Database, and Education Research Complete were selected for the literature search, which was conducted in August 2025. Articles were included if they investigated the use of any form of TCM among Chinese seniors aged 65 years or older living in the USA and Canada, and were published in an English-language peer-reviewed journal. Results: Twenty-four studies were included in this review, with a total sample size of 7288. The findings indicated that, in the majority of the included studies, over half of the Chinese seniors used some form of TCM. TCM therapies included over-the-counter herbal products, TCM-based physical activities, TCM practitioner consulting, and TCM food practices and therapies. Use of TCM among Chinese seniors was related to musculoskeletal symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, mental health, severe acute respiratory syndrome prevention, cancer screening, and oral health. Chinese seniors tend to integrate TCM with Western medicine in their healthcare practices. Several factors from individual, familial, and community levels influenced Chinese seniors’ use of TCM. Conclusions: Future research should investigate the integration of TCM with Western healthcare, the training of healthcare providers to improve their understanding of TCM, and the underlying mechanisms of TCM products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative and Complementary Medicine in Healthcare: Practice, Research, and Innovation)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

21 pages, 2538 KB  
Systematic Review
Comparative Efficacy of Acupuncture Therapy in Primary Essential Tremor: A Network Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
by Qingping Shi, Jieru Han, Beiyan Chen, Shuang Gao and Mingli Shen
Healthcare 2026, 14(6), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14060803 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1461
Abstract
Background: Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder that predominantly affects older adults, with rising global prevalence due to population aging. Pharmacological treatments, including propranolol and primidone, are often limited by inadequate efficacy or poor tolerability, and surgical options carry inherent risks. [...] Read more.
Background: Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder that predominantly affects older adults, with rising global prevalence due to population aging. Pharmacological treatments, including propranolol and primidone, are often limited by inadequate efficacy or poor tolerability, and surgical options carry inherent risks. Acupuncture has shown promise as an alternative or adjunctive therapy for ET, but evidence comparing the effectiveness of different acupuncture modalities remains limited. Objective: To systematically evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of various acupuncture-related interventions for essential tremor (ET) through a network meta-analysis, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. Methods: We systematically searched eight electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and CBM) from inception to 20 October 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating any form of acupuncture therapy for ET were included. Conventional pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed to compare the efficacy (response rate, Tremor Six Score) and safety (adverse events) of different interventions. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values were used to rank treatment modalities. Results: Twenty randomized controlled trials involving 1067 participants were included. Traditional meta-analysis indicated that acupuncture-related interventions significantly outperformed controls in improving response rate [RR 4.36, 95% CI (3.14, 6.03), p < 0.00001], reducing Tremor Six Score [MD −1.99, 95% CI (−2.25, −1.73), p < 0.00001], and lowering the incidence of adverse events [RR 0.13, 95% CI (0.07, 0.25), p < 0.00001]. Network meta-analysis based on SUCRA values revealed that: for symptom relief, scalp acupuncture (S) demonstrated the highest effectiveness (SUCRA = 81.5%); for reducing Tremor Six Score, manual acupuncture (A) showed the most significant effect (SUCRA = 76.6%); and for safety outcomes, Acupuncture + Scalp Acupuncture + Propranolol (A+S+P) achieved the highest SUCRA score (SUCRA = 73.1%). Conclusions: This network meta-analysis demonstrates that acupuncture-related interventions are effective and safe for treating essential tremor. However, caution is warranted in interpreting these findings due to methodological limitations in the included randomized controlled trials (small sample sizes, lack of blinding, inadequate allocation concealment), sparse data for some interventions, and the concentration of studies within China, which limits their generalizability. Despite these limitations, acupuncture offers a valuable non-pharmacological treatment option for patients with poor medication tolerance. Future large-scale, multicenter trials with rigorous designs are needed to validate these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative and Complementary Medicine in Healthcare: Practice, Research, and Innovation)
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