Reflection of a 7-Year Patient Care Program

Abstract

Integrative alternative therapies, also known as holistic therapies, have many applications in hospitals and health centers. These may include relaxation therapies, meditation, massage, reflexology, and Reiki or healing touch. Patients today are looking for these services, and institutions continue to explore ways to provide them without affecting their bottom line. The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program is such a service, and its growth and longevity comes out of the personal investment of the staff to the program and to their patients. The literature review on the permanence of caring practice shows that caring about your work with patients, not just the job, is critical in longevity (Graber & Mitcham, 2004). The holistic nurses' and staff 's commitment to their professional growth within their specialty and their personal spiritual practice as experts in the field forms the backbone of the Integrative Wellness Program's success. It has been in existence for 7 years, providing integrative healing therapies to more than 7,000 patients, making it one of the most experienced. The program now serves cardiac surgery patients, and patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Biofield Therapies and Cancer Pain

“…Pain management is recognized as a quality measure for optimal care by the Joint Commission (Bardia et al, 2006), which emphasizes alternatives to pharmacologic interventions for patient comfort, pain control, and HRQOL (Ernst & Ferrer, 2009). The American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Cancer recommend nonpharmacologic modalities in the management of cancer pain when pain scores remain at 4 or higher on a 10-point scale following reevaluation and modification of conventional pharmacologic treatment (Bardia et al, 2006).…”

Whole-Systems Research in Integrative Inpatient Treatment

“…For instance, Sendelbach et al (2003) describe the development of an inpatient integrative therapies program in a cardiovascular tertiary care center [5]. Ernst and Ferrer (2009) also reflect on the implementation of a 7-year integrative hospital program in a cardiac hospital center from the viewpoint of the nursing staff [6]. …”