Question

What is holistic philosophy?

What factors are the starting point of this philosophy?

What are the differences between traditional care and holistic care model?

Answer 1

Holistic philosophy:

Holistic care is a comprehensive model of caring which is believed to be the heart of the science of nursing. The philosophy behind holistic care is based on the idea of holism which emphasizes that for human beings the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that mind and spirit affect the body. Holistic care is described as a behavior that recognizes a person as a whole and acknowledges the interdependence among one's biological, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects.

Factors:

Three main themes as effective factors in providing holistic care: The structure of educational system, professional environment, and personality traits.

Differences between traditional care and holistic care model:

Holistic nurses and traditional nurses have many similarities as well as differences. Both types of nurses are formally trained and licensed in standards of care and nursing practice. Both can perform bedside care and tasks within their appropriate scope. Passing medications, wound care, assessments, developing a care plan, and evaluating treatment responses are tasks that both traditional and holistic nurses can perform.

However, holistic nurses are typically board-certified in holistic medicine. They bring elements of the mind-body-spirit approach to traditional bedside nursing. They view the patient as a whole, meaning that all elements contribute to the overall health and well-being of a patient.

For example, patients with chronic pain may be treated with traditional approaches such as medications, physical therapy, and exercise. However, a holistic nurse may assess psychosocial status, social support, and employ treatments such as acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, and herbal medicines