Protocol for Alberta Societal Health Integration Program (ABSHIP): Community- based Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) Services Model for Social Recovery and Improve Economic Participation

Abstract Background Mental health problems and chronic health conditions cause significant productivity loss in the workplace. Chronic pain and mental health care needs in Canada that existed before COVID-19 remain unmet and have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The Alberta Societal Health Integration Program (ABSHIP) proposes an innovative community-based model in which Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) services are provided to help achieve social recovery and improve economic participation. Methods Participants will receive CAM treatment in two modes: a minimum of two acupuncture treatment sessions per week for up to a total of 12 treatments, and voluntary Qigong exercise. The study will recruit 150 participants between the ages of 14 and 55 who are suffering from pain or mental health issues that are causing severe productivity loss. Primary outcome indicators are productivity (WPAI), pain (BPI), quality of sleep (PSQI), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), anger (DAR-5), quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) and substance use (DAST-10 & CAGE). Secondary outcome indicators include general health care utilization, which will be measured by patients’ self-reported inpatient, outpatient, emergency department, and prescription drug utilization. Data will be collected at baseline (before treatment) and after the sixth and twelfth session (post-treatment) to measure short-term outcomes of the study. To understand the long-term impact of ABSHIP, participants will be invited to take the same survey three and six months after completing the program. Discussion ABSHIP is a first-of-its-kind study that provides CAM integrated interventions to enhance pain management, as well as protecting and fostering psychosocial well-being and resilience in children, adolescents, and seniors. The successful completion of the project will result in cost savings as well as significant evidence to aid instrument policy in the short and long run. Trial Registration This interventional study involving human participants, has been approved by the University of Calgary (UofC) Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) (ethics ID: REB 21-2050).