From supportive care to trauma: training integrative practitioners in the treatment of acute stress disorder

Objective: The present conflict in Israel has led to a surge in cases of acute stress disorder (ASD). The study examined a training program for integrative medicine (IM) providers working in supportive and palliative care settings, teaching clinical skills for treating ASD. Methods: A 10-h online training program, designed by supportive care trained IM and mental health professionals was attended by a group of 32 IM providers. The impact of the course was assessed using pre- and post-training questionnaires, which underwent qualitative evaluation. Three open-ended questions addressed expectations from the program, anticipated barriers to combining IM with mental health interventions, and explored willingness for multi-disciplinary collaboration. A conventional content analysis was used, where coding categories are derived directly from the text data. Narratives were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software for systematic coding. Results: Narrative themes identified within the group of 32 trainees included expectations regarding facilitating a multi-disciplinary integrative model of care, enriching the ASD-related clinical “toolbox,” increasing the effectiveness of IM treatments, and reducing IM treatment-associated risks. Insights were provided for bridging communication gaps between IM practitioners and mental health providers, supporting the multi-disciplinary collaboration. Conclusions: ASD-focused training for IM practitioners may increase their level of clinical skills and advance collaboration with mental health providers. Future research examining the feasibility of the integrative model and its implementation in supportive care setting is warranted.