Thanks to the miracles of modern-day medicine, those facing serious illness or injury can receive the lifesaving care they need at their local hospital. But what if those miracles also leave you feeling… a little icky?
Nausea, pain, insomnia, anxiety—these can all be distressing side effects of necessary care, whether that be chemotherapy for cancer, a difficult recovery from an arduous surgery, or uncomfortable management of a chronic disease. And that’s where Sarasota Memorial’s Integrative Care Program comes in, providing a whole suite of complementary (and complimentary) therapies and tools to promote comfort and help patients manage these side effects while in the hospital. Through the program, licensed therapists and trained volunteers provide everything from music therapy and meditation to nerve stimulation and virtual reality escapes, according to what the patient wants.
“Our focus is on the patient and the person,” says Mariah Pierre, Integrative Care Program Coordinator at Sarasota Memorial, “not the disease. And we work hand-in-hand with traditional treatment to provide a holistic approach.”
Integrative Care Services Available
During their stay at Sarasota Memorial, patients will have access to a wide variety of therapies through the Integrative Care Program. Most are available by simple request, and all come at no cost to the patient.
Services include:
- Music Therapy: A board-certified music therapist is available to work with patients and craft sessions tailored to their needs, such as providing singing therapy to help stroke victims or utilizing rhythm to help patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Live music is also available through volunteer musicians.
- Sound Control: In addition to choice of music, a digital library provides white noise, guided meditations, soundscapes and more, allowing the patient to choose the soundtrack to their stay.
- Aromatherapy: Personal Aromatherapy Inhalers come in three different scents and can be used to promote sleep, lessen anxiety, and stave off nausea or headache.
- Pet Therapy: Receive a visit from a furry friend to spark some joy with a worthy distraction.
- Virtual Reality: Travel the world, play games and even participate in guided meditation, all in a virtual world designed to help distract the patient from painful side effects or anxiety.
- M-Technique: This standardized method of structured touch is akin to a type of massage, usually performed on the hands or feet, designed to promote calm and meditation. Specially trained providers are available upon request.
- TENS: Useful for alleviating pain, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation delivers gentle electric currents through electrode pads positioned around the painful area. Note: This service requires a physician’s referral.
- Environmental Modifications: From repositioning furniture and dimming lights to setting the music and arranging pictures and mementos from home, Integrative Care Services will help customize the patient room to induce familiarity and increase calm and comfort during their stay.
The Patient’s Choice
Another important aspect of the Integrative Care Program at Sarasota Memorial, says Pierre, is that, first and foremost, the patient gets to choose how—and if—they engage with the program. “So it puts some of the control back in their hands,” she says. “Integrative Care is something that they get to take charge of and they get to decide.” This can be especially important when other aspects of their treatment seem overwhelming or out of their control.
“It’s about being empowered through your healthcare journey,” says Pierre. “And treating the whole person.”
To learn more about the Integrative Care Program at Sarasota Memorial, contact Integrative Care Program Coordinator Mariah Pierre at (941) 917-2261 or Mariah-Pierre@smh.com.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH’s in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY..