From Illness to Wholeness: Exploring the Dimensions of Holistic Healthcare and Christian Spiritual Integration

Presenter: Gavilan Delors Dhivers

Faculty Sponsor: Kisha Tracy

School: Fitchburg State University

Research Area: Nursing

Session: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM, Concourse, B6

ABSTRACT

Health is recognized as an important aspect of life for everyone in this world. As time passes, the evolution of healthcare has changed dramatically, advancing in treatment methods, technologies, and patient management care. However, with the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles of everyone, it is important that patient care must address the needs of the whole person, not just the physical illness; holistic, patient-centered care is essential. The objective of this project is to approach healthcare with a holistic view, with special attention to Christian religious practices. Initial observations have indicated that holistic healthcare, described as a “whole person care,” has two dimensions. First, the emphasis on the whole person (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual being), and the second emphasizes the mind, body, and spirit, with spirituality being the most predominant one coming before the rest. This study will look into how holistic care addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions can be benefited by faith-based approaches incorporated into healthcare. Overall, through exploring its history and how holistic care is defined, this study will demonstrate how holistic care is more than an alternative form of healthcare delivery. It is beneficial to all patients, resulting in a more comprehensive and compassionate care. 

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