1)
With the advanced science, technology, and new medications, hospitals provide an opportunity to cure patients. Creating a healthcare system with healing, caring and loving environment is the ultimate challenge. There are three main components of healing hospitals. These are a healing physical environment; integration of technology and work design, and a “radical loving care” culture. A healing environment is made up of more than the patients only. It also comprises the knowledge to help family members and other people that may be part of the patients support group. Technology and work design are also crucial components to a healing hospital because they provide a framework through which the healing process is undertaken. A “radical loving care” culture includes the social support systems that should be in place to help patients cope with their sicknesses in a better way (Geimer-Flanders, 2009). This is because the process of caring for the patient is not only medical but also spiritual and emotional. For example, while spending time with patients, one should hold their hands, and talk with them about what is important (Geimer-Flanders, 2009). The impact of spirituality on healing is significant. Studies reveal that people who participate in spiritual activities are likely to live longer than those who do not. Patients who are spiritually inclined can overcome illness, life stresses and pain by utilizing their beliefs. Studies show that greater quality of life and outlook is associated with spirituality. For example, cancer patients who experience pain cope better by relying on their spirituality. Spiritual beliefs also help patients to face death and cope with the disease. Spiritual commitment also enhances the process of recovery from illness. Spirituality is linked to positive thinking and the power of hope.
2)
There are various challenges involved in the creation of a healing environment. The greatest challenge is making sure that patients feel safe, stress free and comfortable in the hospital setting. To achieve this, proper planning of the hospital structures must be done. For example, the floor plan, bed positions and spaces must be positioned appropriately to ensure a degree of privacy. A proper diet and medication make the healing process effective and are part of the healing environment. There is a challenge in ensuring that patients are fed in the right manner and that proper prescriptions and medication are carried out (Neigher & Hakim, 2012). This may involve the use of technological tools which keep patient records. The second challenge is having motivated staff members who offer support and encouragement to the patients. Caregivers in hospitals should be trained to offer hope and love to patients. They should be dedicated, and competent. Patients should be afforded a holistic kind of healthcare which caters to their spiritual, cognitive, and emotional concerns and not just their physical well-being (Neigher & Hakim, 2012). In addition, these members of staff should know how to engage with caregivers and family members. Research indicates that a supportive and calm environment may help to enhance the healing process during a patient’s hospital stay. The third challenge is retaining employees such as nurses. Recruiting and training nurses and other caregivers on how to treat patients is an expensive process. When these employees leave the hospital, it is a loss to the organization.
3)
There are various Bible verses that support the notion of a healing hospital. Perhaps one of the most notable ones is “ But You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness ” (Nehemiah 9:17). This verse shows that God is a merciful God. When God decides to heal someone, he shows goodness, compassion, love and mercy towards the particular person. This verse shows a link between spirituality and healing, which should be part of a healing hospital (Dunn, 2011). If one does not believe in the merciful and compassionate nature of God the Father, he/she may not be able to obtain divine healing through him. This is because their faith and belief in the ability of God to heal them may not be sufficient. This verse is appropriate to healing hospitals because it provides a model for hospitals. In carrying out healing, hospitals should emulate the example set by God. They should show mercy, graciousness, and kindness to their patients. This involves encouraging the sick and taking care of them. Being kind to patients and their family members is also part of the healing responsibility of hospitals which is based on the example set by God as shown by the scriptures. Some patients undergoing disease-related suffering and pain require encouragement and support to enable them cope. The scripture tells us that God is slow to anger and considerate. In the hospital setting, patients may have demands which call for patience from hospital staff. Sometimes patients are not in a position to do basic activities such as changing their clothes and bathing themselves. They require assistance from nurses (Dunn, 2011). Some of these responsibilities are challenging and, therefore, call for commitment and compassion of the kind that God has. By showing God’s character, the Bible verse is a call for caregivers to emulate him.
References
Geimer-Flanders, J. (2009). Creating a Healing Environment: Rationale and Research Overview. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 76(Suppl_2), S66-S69.
Dunn, L. (2011). Creating Healing Environments : A Challenge for Nursing. Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 10(2), 3-4.
Neigher, W. D., & Hakim, S. M. (2012). Creating a Sustainable “Healing Culture” Throughout a Healthcare System: Using Community Psychology Principles as a Guide. Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice, 2(3), 1-5.
