Family Health Magazine - Spring/Summer 2003 - Saint Barnabas Medical Center

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Family Health Magazine - Spring/Summer 2003

The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program Addresses
the Needs of the Whole Patient

In addition to receiving state-of-the-art medical treatments, cardiac surgery patients at The HEART HOSPITAL of New Jersey are benefiting from a unique prescription for wellness that includes integrative healing therapies. From massage and reflexology to guided imagery and breathing exercises, cardiac surgery patients have access to a variety of techniques that support the needs of the whole person.

The integrative healing therapies are offered through the Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program at The HEART HOSPITAL of New Jersey, with sites at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Saint Barnabas Medical Center. This in-patient program, funded by Medtronic Foundation and Medtronic, Inc., is unique among New Jersey cardiothoracic surgery programs, offering patients pre- and postoperative holistic treatments.

"Many patients and physicians are unhappy with the present status of American medicine," said Gary J. Rogal, M.D., Chief of Cardiology for the Saint Barnabas Health Care System. "They recognize that there has been erosion in the traditional doctor-patient relationship due to many factors ranging from the economic to the political. There is also an excessive focus on disease and not enough attention paid to health and healing. The integrative model addresses this issue and emphasizes patient empowerment for those dealing with the extreme stress that cardiovascular disease imposes."

Innovative Programs Popular with Patients

Since its inception in January 2002, more than 1,000 cardiac surgery patients have participated in the Integrative Cardiac Wellness program. When patients are treated at The HEART HOSPITAL, they first meet with a cardiac surgeon, followed by a consultation with an advanced practice holistic nurse. The nurse performs a Cardiac Wellness consultation where health habits, quality of life issues, stress management and spirituality are discussed and integrative healing therapies are offered.

Preoperatively, patients are taught breathing meditation and are offered guided imagery, massage and reflexology. After surgery, patients are encouraged to continue with breathing meditation and are offered guided imagery cassette tapes that speak specifically to recovery after open-heart surgery. Massage and reflexology are offered again during the postoperative period. In addition, patients receive cardiac wellness education and a Prescription for Wellness, which is mutually created by the patient and nurse. This wellness prescription includes referrals and recommendations for lifestyle modifications and integrative healing therapies that the patient may pursue after discharge from the hospital.

"Patients are very receptive to trying these integrative healing therapies," says Patricia Panfile, R.N,. M.A., holistic nurse practitioner and Program Manager for the Integrative Cardiac Wellness program. "Over 95 percent of patients who are offered the program will try one or more treatment options. Massage therapy and reflexology are the most popular, followed by guided imagery."

The therapies are delivered directly to the patient during hospitalization and are offered at no cost. The goal, says Lorraine Ernst, R.N., M.S., certified holistic nurse at The HEART HOSPITAL, is for patients to experience integrative healing therapies in the hospital setting in the hope that they will continue to benefit from them after discharge.

"Some patients continue to receive monthly massages to promote relaxation," says Ms. Ernst. "Others might use the breathing techniques to help them relieve tension in stressful situations. These therapies can become part of their life after surgery."

Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

Throughout the patient’s hospitalization, the holistic nurses provide education on wholeness and healing. Wholeness is a state of being where balance and harmony exist within a person’s mind, body and spirit and his/her environment, relates Ms. Panfile. The word "heal" comes from the Anglo Saxon word "haelan" which means to be or to become whole. Illness or "disease" within a person occurs when the mind, body and spirit are out of balance; while healing is achieved when balance is restored. The patient’s prescription for wellness is formulated to address the needs of the whole person.

At Saint Barnabas Medical Center, heart valve replacement patient Mary Jane Frankel found comfort during a lengthy hospital stay through reflexology and guided imagery.

"I think this program should be applied to anyone undergoing any type of major surgery," says Ms. Frankel. "I’m absolutely thrilled that Saint Barnabas is so progressive in overall care of the patient."

Caring for the Whole Patient After Surgery

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery is vital to optimum wellness. Ms. Panfile provides a list of integrative therapies and wellness services that are typically recommended to patients for use after discharge. In addition to referrals for the healing therapies offered at the hospital, referrals can also be provided for acupuncture, cardiac rehabilitation, emotional support/counseling, exercise/fitness, nutritional counseling, smoking cessation courses, stress management and yoga.

"Helping a patient to maximize his or her own inner healing ability together with the most advanced medical and surgical technology is the best prescription for long-term health," says Ms. Panfile.

Some Integrative Healing Therapies Defined

Breathing meditation is used for relaxation. Focusing on breathing can help clear the mind of worrisome thoughts and relax the body so that the patient can better cope with daily stress and anxiety.

Guided Imagery is used to help decrease anxiety and stress. It helps replace negative thoughts with positive, empowering images which assist the patient in regaining a sense of control over life. One might envision a safe or peaceful location, such as a warm beach.

Massage strengthens and loosens muscles and tissue, improves blood and lymph flow, increases the removal of metabolic waste products and stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain and nervous system. Massage also promotes rest and repair.

Reflexology promotes relaxation and stimulates the healing process. Located on the feet are reflexes or ‘pressure sensors’ that correspond to different parts of the body. Pressure is applied to these reflex points to promote energy flow and stimulate the release of toxins.

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