PurposeIn the Netherlands, Complementary and AlternativeMedicine (CAM) is offered outside the world of mainstreammedicine. Patients would benefit from an integratedmodel in which CAM is part of main streammedicine so that disclosure of risks, benefits of CAMand credentials of CAM practitioners are sufficientlydealt with. The aim of this 4-year research project is todevelop, implement and evaluate a shared-care model ofIntegrative Medicine in a primary care setting forpatients with chronic joint diseases and allergy.MethodsThis is the first project in the Netherlands where patientorganizations, health care providers and health careinsurers collaborate to achieve an integrative health-caremodel. The project consists of four stages; in stage 1 needsand preferences of patients were investigated. Based onthis outcome, evidence in literature and clinical experiences,an integrated primary care model will be developed(stage 2). The integrated model will be piloted in two primarycare centers in the Netherlands (stage 3) and evaluatedwith respect to outcome (stage 4).ResultsStage 1: A national survey demonstrated CAM use in41% of children with allergy (eczema, asthma) and 71%of adults with chronic joint diseases (arthrosis, rheumatoidarthritis). CAM therapies mostly used werehomeopathy, manual therapies, acupuncture and naturopathy.The majority (74% allergy, 51% joint diseasesgroup) did not actively communicate CAM use withtheir family physician. However, 79% (allergy) and 70%(joint diseases) of patients preferred a physician thatinforms, refers to and collaborates with CAM.ConclusionCAM use among chronically ill patients is high. Althoughmost patients do not communicate CAM with their familyphysician, they have a high preference for a shared-caremodel in primary care. Based on these outcomes, such amodel will be developed and presented at the conference.