Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients Referred for Complementary and Integrative Health Services at a Large Metropolitan Academic Medical Center

Background Complementary and integrative health (CIH) services enhance physiological and psychological wellbeing, while potentially reducing medical costs. Despite these benefits, use of inpatient CIH services remains poorly characterized, impeding efforts to develop equitable and effective healthcare. Objective This retrospective case-control study examined characteristics of patients likely to receive CIH referrals and consults. Method Electronic health records were analyzed from patients hospitalized at a large metropolitan academic medical center from September 2022 to February 2024. Results Referred patients (n = 3491) were less frequently male, Asian American, non-English-speaking, and more medically complex compared to non-referred patients (n = 6982, P values <0.001). Among those referred, 72% received at least one CIH consult, with lower odds of completing a consult for male patients. Conclusion Disparities underscore the need for equitable CIH services access in healthcare systems. Future research will test how to broaden services to male patients, those with non-English language preference, and less medical complexity, to ensure greater benefit from holistic healthcare.