Healing Hospital: A Daring Paradigm
Karolyn Walker
Grand Canyon University: HLT-310V
March 3rd, 2013
Healing Hospital: A Daring Paradigm
Healthcare professionals must recognize the influence that both external and internal environments have on the health status of patients and their loved ones. Hospitals today are making it a priority to provide holistic patient care by inclusion of the mind, body, and spirit of both the patient and their loved ones. Taking into consideration the environment in which this care takes place is an integral part of the healing process. Healing Hospitals are built on the ancient tradition that love is the center of all healing (Golden thread, 2013). In connection with this tradition, spirituality helps us to cultivate a deeper understanding of what it is to be human and to respond to things from a position of love and respect.
Healing Hospitals
Healing hospitals promote the concept of healing through a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their loved ones. There are three main components that are embraced by healing hospitals today (Golden thread, 2013).
A healing physical environment
Healing Hospitals promote a calming environment that is aesthetically pleasing for patients, family, and healthcare staff. Health promotion through soft lighting, calming music, reduction in noise, soft colors, and architecture enhances sensory input and reduces stress among both patients and healthcare providers (Optimal Healing Environments, 2013). Areas such as healing gardens and chapels are also an integral part of a Healing Hospital’s environment. By keeping a calm and pleasing environment stress levels of patients, families, and staff can be reduced, therefore allowing for optimal healing to occur.
The integration of technology and work design
Keeping up to date on the most advanced technology is another way for healing hospitals to promote an optimal healing...