Introduction to Whole Person Care
Whole Person Care (WPC) is an emerging framework that distinguishes between curing and healing, emphasizing the clinician's role in facilitating patient healing. The research article "Translating theory into clinical practice: a qualitative study of clinician perspectives implementing whole person care" explores how clinicians can bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation.
Key Findings from the Study
The study interviewed 34 clinicians at the 2017 International Whole Person Care Congress to understand their conceptions of WPC and how they monitor their practice in real time. The data were analyzed using Grounded Theory Methodology, revealing three primary themes:
- Clinician's Way of Being: WPC is not just a clinical method but a personal philosophy rooted in mindfulness, self-awareness, and presence.
- Seeing the Person Beyond the Disease: Clinicians must recognize patients as complex beings with unique life experiences, values, and needs.
- Clinician–Patient Relationship: The therapeutic relationship is bidirectional, empowering both patient and clinician, fostering healing.
Strategies for Implementing WPC
Clinicians reported using various strategies to monitor their practice, with mindfulness and self-awareness being crucial. These strategies include:
- Practicing mindfulness to stay present and attentive during patient interactions.
- Reflecting on internal cues, such as emotions and physical sensations, to ensure alignment with WPC principles.
- Observing external cues from patients, like body language and verbal feedback, to gauge the effectiveness of care.
Barriers to Practicing WPC
Despite the benefits, clinicians face several barriers in implementing WPC:
- Structural barriers like time constraints and high patient volumes.
- Personal barriers such as stress, anxiety, and compassion fatigue.
- Challenges in maintaining self-awareness and managing personal emotions during patient care.
Implications for Practice
The study highlights the importance of incorporating mindfulness training into medical education to support clinicians in implementing WPC. By fostering self-awareness and empathy, clinicians can better align their practice with their values, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore patient perspectives on WPC and develop sustainable practices for clinicians. Understanding these elements will enhance the implementation of WPC across diverse clinical settings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Translating theory into clinical practice: a qualitative study of clinician perspectives implementing whole person care.
