Dominican Hospital Integrates Dominican Zen Program into Patient Care
SANTA CRUZ, CA (July 5, 2017) – Dignity Health Dominican Hospital has launched the Dominican Zen program, which provides an array of gentle and calming therapies to enhance patient care.
“While our patients know they will receive state-of-the-art care at Dominican, a hospital visit can still be a source of intense fear and anxiety,” said Dominican Hospital President Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “The Dominican Zen program encourages relaxation and mindfulness, and helps empower patients to be active participants in their own health and wellness.”
Dominican Zen was designed to increase comfort, reduce stress, and promote healing for patients. It was developed by a multidisciplinary team of staff from across the hospital, with support from physicians and hospital administration. Patients can take advantage of variety of new amenities including:
- Aromatherapy – To rejuvenate the mind and body with a selection of natural essential oils.
- Sound Therapy – To improve rest and reduce stress through calming nature sounds on sound machines.
- Guided Meditation – To cultivate mindful awareness and emotional balance around health and well-being.
Research has highlighted the positive impacts of alternative therapies when delivered alongside traditional medical care within a hospital environment. A study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that patients participating in a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program reported significantly lower anxiety than those simply receiving stress management education. A clinical study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience reported that aromatherapy with lavender and rosemary essential oils resulted in patients who felt more relaxed and had a less depressive mood.
The Dominican Zen team is exploring the possibility of additional elements, such as massage therapy for both patients and visitors. For more information about the Dominican Zen program, contact Dominican Hospital Patient Relations at (831) 462-7722.
About Dominican Hospital
Dignity Health Dominican Hospital has been caring for the Santa Cruz County community for 75 years. Dominican offers emergency services and is a Certified Stroke Center. Dominican’s services include the only comprehensive Cancer Center in Santa Cruz County, a Total Joint Replacement program, advanced neurological and endoscopic services, and an expert heart and vascular team treating some of the most complex cardiac cases in the Monterey Bay area. Dominican has received national recognition for superior patient safety, cardiac care, and stroke treatment from Healthgrades, a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Dominican also has received several awards for environmental excellence.
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Publish date:
Wednesday, July 05, 2017