Components, Difficulties and Scriptural Aspects of a Healing Hospital

COMPONENTS, DIFFICULTIES AND SCRIPTURAL ASPECTS OF A HEALING HOSPITAL
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Components, Difficulties and Scriptural Aspects of a Healing Hospital
With the increasing number of chronic diseases, skyrocketing health care costs and inadequately addressed mental health problems, worldwide medicine has a paradigm shift from being disease-focused towards being patient-centered (Johnson, 2012). Thus, the approach nowadays is to provide integrative care encompassing the physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual needs of the patient.
On the other hand, the physical cure is not the absolute end for the treatment of many illnesses but as Puchalski (2001) said there could be space for healing through the realization of ailment that causes tranquility amidst suffering. Hence, the concept of a healing hospital promotes holistic patient care that helps to address deep spiritual questions on the meaning of an individual’s sickness (Gakuru, n.d.). In order to achieve this, three key components should be considered as exampled by Arizona Medical Center that includes: 1) a healing physical milieu 2) harmonious incorporation of work design and technology 3) “Radical Loving Care” culture (Eberst, 2008). This paper aims to elaborate on these components as well as the challenges that can be faced in building a healing hospital.
Healing Physical Milieu
A physical healing milieu provides a quiet place. World Health Organization recommends a maximum of 30 decibels (just above a whisper) loudness so as patients can rest and sleep. Studies show that sleep is vital in maintaining the physical health of the patients. It is involved in repair and healing of cardiovascular tissues. Moreover, the body’s immune system depends on sleep to keep it functional (NIH, 2018). Also, the Bible stated in John 11:12 (NIV), “…Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Likewise, hospital employees benefit in a calm, stress-free environment as it reduces the risks of medication errors (Eberst, 2008). Carpeting the patient hallways, special silencers on machines, minimized overhead paging and use of wireless phones among health care team are some of the suggested ways in attaining a noiseless environment (Eberst, 2008). Furthermore, an 8 hour ‘quiet time’ protocol wherein patients are not disrupted of their sleep because of vital signs checking and medication intake is found to be beneficial in decreasing sedative use (Luxford, 2016).
Additionally, a physical healing environment supports the spiritual needs of patients, their families, and hospital staffs as Puchalski and McSkimming (2006) noted that spirituality is the life support that helps individuals with enduring stress and tough times. After all, true rest from weariness and burden can only be found by drawing near to God (Matthew 11:28, NIV). Moreover, 10-20 minutes of meditation twice a day can serve as adjunct therapy for chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression (as cited by Puchalski, 2001). Therefore, hospitals should be designed with careful consideration of the spiritual and meditation practices of its stakeholders (e.g., meditation ga...