Details:
Read all readings for this module and research other articles or websites associated with
the healing hospital paradigm. As you read, consider how this paradigm might influence
your philosophy of caregiving. Any hospital with a healing component to its mission can be
used as a resource.
Write an essay of 1,000-1,250 words in which you address the following:
- Describe the components of healing hospitals and their relationship to spirituality.
- What are the challenges of creating a healing environment in light of the barriers and
complexities of the hospital environment? - Include at least one biblical passage or parable that you believe supports the concept of a
healing hospital and provide rationale for your selection.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide,
located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Remember that Wikipedia is not considered a scholarly source.
This assignment uses a grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the
assignment; therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment
to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion
of the assignment.
Rubric grading - Comprehension of concepts of a Healing Hospital= Demonstrates integrative
comprehension and thoughtful application of concepts surrounding the Healing Hospital
and circumstances involving application in real world situations. Presentation of material
and components include expanded and unique perspective relative to Healing Hospital
patterns and value. - Coverage of subject matter.= Coverage extends beyond what is needed to support
subject matter. - Organization and Effectiveness. Thesis Development and Purpose- Thesis and/or main
claim are comprehensive. The essence of the paper is contained within the thesis. Thesis
statement makes the purpose of the paper clear. - Argument Logic and Construction= Clear and convincing argument presents a
persuasive thesis and/or main claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are
authoritative. - Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)=
- Paper Format (Use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)=
HEALING HOSPITAL PARADIGM 2
- Research Citations (In-text citations for paraphrasing and direct quotes, and reference
page listing and formatting, as appropriate to assignment and style)= In-text citations and
a reference page are complete and correct. The documentation of cited sources is free of
error.
Healing Hospital Paradigm
Introduction
The healing hospital paradigm is mainly focused on the removal of stress as well as other
risk factors which may affect the health and wellbeing of patients in the hospital environment.
This is an important factor because the hospital does not only offer healing to the physical body,
but should also offer healing to the soul of the patients. Some sicknesses are brought about as a
result of a disturbed soul, and this is why the healing offered should be deeply seated. For
example, stress is a common factor which may be brought about as a result of many issues.
When in the hospital environment, a patient may develop stress because of the painful treatments
being administered, the sudden loss of social life or even the financial burden which will result
from the admission. If these stressors are reduced, the patient’s wellbeing is maintained and
hence the recovery process is hastened. This benefit is the reason why the healing hospital
paradigm is considered as a whole healing rather than just a cure to the ailment (Duru, Sarkisian,
Leng & Mangione, 2010).
The Components of Healing Hospitals and Their Relationship to Spirituality
Basing on the paradigm of healing hospital, caring for a patient in the hospital
environment is not only limited to medical interventions or the administration of medications,
HEALING HOSPITAL PARADIGM 3
but also includes the interaction between the healthcare provider and the patient including their
families. This theory has been derived from the belief that the physical health of an individual is
affected greatly by both the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the same person (Duru,
Sarkisian, Leng & Mangione, 2010).The components of the healing hospital are comprised of
three major features, as discussed below.
The Healing Physical Environment
In the hospital environment, the care of patients should be main focus. However, this
alone may not result in the best changes since other factors should also be considered. The
caregivers should also learn to care and interact with the family of the patients. This is because
when a hospital promotes a loving and compassionate environment the effects have been noted
to improve the overall health of the patient (Essien, 2013). A good healing environment should
be designed in such a way that the patients and their families are helped to cope with the stresses
resulting from the illness.
The hospital environment should also be quiet enough to promote peaceful sleep for the
patients. Just as with any other individual, the repair of damaged cells for patients is at its peak
during sleep. This is because the body cells regenerate faster when someone is asleep than when
they are awake. Therefore, the hospital environment should be free from high levels of noise
which will result to sleep deprivation and hence longer recovery processes. The hospitals should
therefore promote peace from noise pollution by ensuring that all hallways are carpeted to help
capture noise. Cleaning machines should be fixed with silencers to avoid disrupting the sleep of
patients.
HEALING HOSPITAL PARADIGM 4
An integration of Work Design and Technology
Another component of healing hospital is the integration of work design and technology.
With the help of designers, these healing hospitals have been able to create more ways for the
hospital staff to carry out their rounds in a more effective manner. This has also ensured the
increased patient privacy as well as security which reduces their stress and hence promotes their
healing process (Linders & Lancaster 2013). The technology should be used to help promote the
condition of the healing environment. Elevators which are created on the back of the house
enable the nurses to quietly navigate the hospital and also to transfer patients without much
commotion. This also preserves the patient privacy since for example if a patient is being taken
for radiology, he will not have to worry about coming across someone he knows. Technology
can also be used to offer some form of soothing entertainment for the patients by playing soft
music.
A Culture of Radical Loving Care
This is also a critical component of the healing hospital. All the other features may be
present and easy added into the system of a hospital, however if there is an absence of radical
care, the result will not be a healing hospital. This component should act as a reminder to the
hospital staff of the main reason why they chose that profession (Michell, 2014). The care
offered by the staff should feature the approach which meets the physical needs of patients as
well as their spiritual and emotional needs. Therefore, the hired hospital staff should be those
who have the heart to empathize with the patients and give them hope when need arises.
Challenges of Creating a Healing Environment
HEALING HOSPITAL PARADIGM 5
The hospital environment is indeed complicated, and therefore the idea of creating a
healing environment may not be as simple as it seems. Maintaining that peace in the environment
may seem like a simple and practical idea, but finding the people who will be able to work in
silence may become a challenge (Linders & Lancaster 2013). The employees chosen to work in
such an environment should be picked carefully. There are special features about them which
need to work as the guidance. Although someone may have all the educational qualifications
required for the job, they also need to be patient and tolerant. They need to possess special skills
which will enable them to promote a healing environment for all the patients.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Bible talks a lot about the wellbeing and the healing of a person. In the Books of
Mathew, Mark and Luke; it is written of how Jesus gave his disciples the power to overcome all
unclean spirits and he also commanded them to heal all sorts of diseases. Just like these disciples,
the healthcare providers also feel like they have been called to heal the sick and embrace them
with care and compassion (Essien, 2013). The Book of Luke 10:30 supports the healing hospital
concept even more. It is the story of the Good Samaritan who despite not being a Christian had
the heart to give care and compassion to a complete stranger who was hurt. All the other
Christians did not stop to have a second look since this person was a stranger. This parable is
mainly a concept that healing does not have to be physical but also spiritual and emotional. A
little compassion on a sick man may heal him without further medication.
Conclusion
The healing hospital paradigm is an example which all hospitals should follow. It is the
best way through which the patients can be touched so that their lives change forever. Not all
HEALING HOSPITAL PARADIGM 6
employees can help a hospital achieve this, but only the chosen employees who have the true
calling.
References
Duru, O., Sarkisian, C. A., Leng, M., & Mangione, C. M. (2010). Sisters in Motion: A
Randomized Controlled Trial of a Faith-Based Physical Activity Intervention. Journal Of
The American Geriatrics Society, 58(10), 1863-1869.
Essien, E. D. (2013). Notions of Healing and Transcendence in the Trajectory of African
Traditional Religion: Paradigm and Strategies. International Review Of Mission, 102(2),
236-248.
Linders, E. H., & Lancaster, B. (2013). Sacred illness: exploring transpersonal aspects in
physical affliction and the role of the body in spiritual development. Mental Health,
Religion & Culture, 16(10), 991-1008.
Michell, D. (2014). Healing and Happiness in the Christian Science Tradition. Feminist
Theology: The Journal Of The Britain & Ireland School Of Feminist Theology, 22(2),
203-212.