MINDBODY CARE

THE ULTIMATE PATIENT EXPERIENCE?

Authors

  • Geoff Lachlan Scottish Inter Faith Council

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.v11i2.10

Keywords:

Spiritual care, Mindbody, Patient Experience Programme, World Health Organization

Abstract

Spiritual care is no longer an option in the 21 st century NHS, with “Spiritual wellbeing” now included in the World Health Organisation's definition of Health. Within the last 6 years the NHS in Scotland has seen the publication of several key documents to support this concept. There has also been a rapidly accumulating wealth of scientific evidence linking religion and spirituality to both better health and improved healthcare outcomes. One researcher described the link as demonstrating the rediscovered concept of “Mindbody”, illustrating the unity of mind, body, and spirit/soul which the ancient mystical traditions have understood for millennia. The Scottish Government's recently launched Patient Experience Programme will provide an opportunity for Healthcare Chaplains to demonstrate that care of the spirit is also care of the “Mindbody” - and thus provide patients with the ultimate healthcare experience.

Author Biography

  • Geoff Lachlan, Scottish Inter Faith Council

    Geoff Lachlan, former Consultant General Surgeon, is now working with the Scottish Inter Faith Council, Pollokshields, Glasgow as a Health Development Officer. This involves visiting all 22 Health Boards to promote Religion and Belief Matter and also supporting the Healthcare Chaplaincy Development Unit in NHS Education.

References

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Published

2013-04-06

How to Cite

Lachlan, G. (2013). MINDBODY CARE: THE ULTIMATE PATIENT EXPERIENCE?. Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 11(2), 10-15. https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.v11i2.10