Abundant Life, Care for the Body, Mind, and Spirit
Pamela Maidens, MA, CPM, Catholic Community Connection
Abundant Life, Care for the Body, Mind, and Spirit™ ABSTRACT
Track: Healthcare Education Research ─ Abundant Life Process Evaluation Report ©2007; Abundant Life Nursing Outcomes Evaluation Report ©2011, Catholic Community Connection
Abstract 1: The 2007 Abundant Life research initiative engaged diverse individuals in a multi-site study across a continuum of care in faith-based organizations. The initiative developed a method of adult learning that supports individuals interested in caring for themselves and others as whole, multi-dimensional persons. This work defends the premise that each person is an inseparable unity of body, mind, and spirit and that care for the whole person contributes to well-being and fuller, more meaningful life. Over two days, healthcare experts with diverse expertise facilitate short lectures, discussions, self-reflection, and activities that promote shared learning and response leading to the reinforcement of healthy behavior. Participants improve upon the existing model of care and contribute to positive culture change assessed through personal and professional benefits. This work was conducted with Bruce Agneberg, MD, Christina Puchalski, MD, Robyn Stone Dr PH, Roger Jahnke, OMD, and Richard Groves.
Resources: Abundant Life Teacher’s Manual systematically presents components of whole person care; knowledge and skills that help us to use this model of care for our self; and strategies for helping others.
Abundant Life Wellness Awareness Tool is the core Best Practice teaching dimensions of wellness, components of whole person care, and connections between physical, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being.
Handout Booklet for Wellness Education and recommended texts support participants.
Abstract 2: The 2011 Abundant Life initiative focused on the development of “Well-being in the Nursing Workforce.” Support for self-care was provided with the assumption that improving the well-being of the caregiver will contribute to quality of life and quality of care. Fifty nursing staffs, educated in the two-day curriculum, were supported through organizational implementation and sustainability for 15 months in partnership with Diane Jedlicka, RN, PhD, Robyn Stone, Dr PH, and Christina Puchalski, MD.
Resources: Significant Quantitative-Qualitative Outcomes
§ Improved personal and professional relationships
§ Improved health and well-being
§ Better stress management
§ Greater actualization of their individual mission within the organization
§ Listening and communication patterns improved
§ Increased trust of co-workers
§ Strengthened peer support
Participants experience a significant shift in the way they define wellness and consequently, begin to integrate care for the body, mind, and spirit into their lives more effectively. The education created a paradigm shift for 99% of the participants with 81% now recognizing the value of whole person care. Abundant Life, Care for the body, mind, and spirit™ demonstrates a sustained impact on the well-being of participants and promotes whole, person-centered care and quality of life for staff and patients in long-term and acute-care facilities. Recommendations include broader program availability for staffs and introduction to students prior to entry into the workforce to reduce burnout and coworker conflict. Components of the program are being successfully taught to geriatric nursing students at a public college and exploration has begun to integrate material into clinical curricula.
Abundant Life, Care for the Body, Mind, and Spirit™ ABSTRACT
Track: Healthcare Education Research ─ Abundant Life Process Evaluation Report ©2007; Abundant Life Nursing Outcomes Evaluation Report ©2011, Catholic Community Connection
Abstract 1: The 2007 Abundant Life research initiative engaged diverse individuals in a multi-site study across a continuum of care in faith-based organizations. The initiative developed a method of adult learning that supports individuals interested in caring for themselves and others as whole, multi-dimensional persons. This work defends the premise that each person is an inseparable unity of body, mind, and spirit and that care for the whole person contributes to well-being and fuller, more meaningful life. Over two days, healthcare experts with diverse expertise facilitate short lectures, discussions, self-reflection, and activities that promote shared learning and response leading to the reinforcement of healthy behavior. Participants improve upon the existing model of care and contribute to positive culture change assessed through personal and professional benefits. This work was conducted with Bruce Agneberg, MD, Christina Puchalski, MD, Robyn Stone Dr PH, Roger Jahnke, OMD, and Richard Groves.
Resources: Abundant Life Teacher’s Manual systematically presents components of whole person care; knowledge and skills that help us to use this model of care for our self; and strategies for helping others.
Abundant Life Wellness Awareness Tool is the core Best Practice teaching dimensions of wellness, components of whole person care, and connections between physical, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being.
Handout Booklet for Wellness Education and recommended texts support participants.
Abstract 2: The 2011 Abundant Life initiative focused on the development of “Well-being in the Nursing Workforce.” Support for self-care was provided with the assumption that improving the well-being of the caregiver will contribute to quality of life and quality of care. Fifty nursing staffs, educated in the two-day curriculum, were supported through organizational implementation and sustainability for 15 months in partnership with Diane Jedlicka, RN, PhD, Robyn Stone, Dr PH, and Christina Puchalski, MD.
Resources: Significant Quantitative-Qualitative Outcomes
§ Improved personal and professional relationships
§ Improved health and well-being
§ Better stress management
§ Greater actualization of their individual mission within the organization
§ Listening and communication patterns improved
§ Increased trust of co-workers
§ Strengthened peer support
Participants experience a significant shift in the way they define wellness and consequently, begin to integrate care for the body, mind, and spirit into their lives more effectively. The education created a paradigm shift for 99% of the participants with 81% now recognizing the value of whole person care. Abundant Life, Care for the body, mind, and spirit™ demonstrates a sustained impact on the well-being of participants and promotes whole, person-centered care and quality of life for staff and patients in long-term and acute-care facilities. Recommendations include broader program availability for staffs and introduction to students prior to entry into the workforce to reduce burnout and coworker conflict. Components of the program are being successfully taught to geriatric nursing students at a public college and exploration has begun to integrate material into clinical curricula.