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Chaplain Tom Kilts on a Planetree model of spiritual care
An Atmosphere Where the Spirit is Free to Heal
In the mid 70s, Angelica Thieriot realized that the focus on separating the body from mind and spirit in healthcare was too dysfunctional. She decided to take action and from that motivation came what is known as the “patient-centered approach,” or the Planetree model of healthcare. The Planetree model has three essential elements for the patient experience; to personalize, demystify and humanize healthcare. To bring these elements to life means taking into consideration all elements of the healing process, of body, mind and spirit. Planetree facilities are attractive to the senses; with beautiful fountains, aroma therapy, rooms that look like hotel suites, it is impossible to not notice a Planetree facility. However, the focus is always about enhancing the healthcare experience by what I call “empowering” patients to take part in their healing processes.
The Planetree model invites family members into patient conferences and encourages patients to read their own charts. They strive to make sure that procedures are thoroughly explained and that patients know their right to decline any treatment. Planetree facilities also strive to have the most up to date technologies and equipment. Having state of the art technologies, beautiful facilities and a patient-centered approach is a wonderful way to honor both the body and the mind in this modern age, but the question remains, what about the spirit?
At Griffin Hospital we strive to
promote what I call a Planetree model
of spiritual care. This model is
concerned with making the human connection
to each patient and being open to
how the spirit can help them in their
healing. To establish the connection
needed to help others find meaning
in their spiritual journeys, we develop
the skill of making visits dialogical.
Inquiry in spiritual care is a process
in which the patient is invited to
explore their “theologies” or their symbols of the divine. The focus is also on “empowering”patients
to use their spirituality as a part
of their healing process by:
• connecting patients with their
religious resources or clergy
• affirming patients in their search
for meaning
• being a listening presence
• inviting patients or family members
to say a prayer and praying with them
• helping patients tap into their
emotional worlds
Chaplains in a Planetree model of spiritual care are focused on the spiritual needs of the patient. It’s about creating an atmosphere where the spirit is free to do its part in the healing process, not confined in representation to any one form. It’s the Chaplain’s job in this setting to create an open and inviting environment where the spirit can be talked about, reflected upon and prayed to, with respect to difference and patient-centered needs. At Griffin Hospital we utilize our Clinical Pastoral Education program as a way to convey this model of spiritual care providing. As other pieces of the Planetree model have influenced other settings, my hope is that this style of chaplaincy can and will do the same.
Chaplain
Tom Kilts, Director of Pastoral Care
and Education at Griffin Hospital, a
HealthCare Chaplaincy partner institution,
in Derby, CT, is a minister of the Nyingmapa
lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He is an
Associate Supervisor with ACPE, and has
been working in the field of spiritual
care for ten years. Tom has worked in
two different Planetree facilities, his
current position at Griffin and at California
Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco,
CA. He currently lives in Connecticut
with his wife and daughter
Do you have thoughts about education & research
you’d like to share with your colleagues?
Send an e-mail to info@PlainViews.org.
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