Whole-Person Caring Model

Whole-Person Caring Model (WPCM) 

Uniqueness of WPCM

•  Interdisciplinary 

•  Easy to Understand 

•  Practical Application 

•  Re-defines who we are 

•  Embrace our infinite and spiritual nature 

(Thornton, 2005)

Framed around Nurse Theorists 

Florence Nightingale – “ We are the reflection of the divine, with

physical, metaphysical and intellectual attributes” 

(Thornton, 2005).

Martha Rogers describes each person as: “ irreducible, indivisible, pandimensional energy field that is open and infinite in nature, and inseparable from the environment” (Thornton, 2005).

Jean Watson’s contemporary theory states, “ We are sacred

beings (and) we must regard ourselves and others with

deepest respect, dignity, mystery, and awe” (Thornton, 2005).

Model of Whole-Person Caring theory & framework is derived

•  Nursing Theory 

•  Physics Theory 

•  Systems Theory

(Thornton, Gold, & Watkins, 2002)

Key Concepts of the WPCM 

•  Sacredness of being

•  Therapeutic partnering 

•  Self-care and self-healing 

•  Optimal whole-person nourishment

•  Self-care and self-healing 

•  Optimal whole-person nourishment 

•  Transformational healthcare leadership, and 

•  Caring as a sacred practice 

(Thornton, 2005)

WPCM Definitions 

•  Person

•  Environment 

•  Health 

•  Whole-Person caring 

•  Spiritual

Person

Thornton et al. (2002) defines a person as:

“The art and science of whole-person caring defines person as an energy field that is infinite and spiritual in essence and in continual mutual process with the environment. Each person manifests unique physical, mental, emotional and social-relational patterns that are interrelated, inseparable, and continually evolving”.

Environment & Health 

“An energy field beyond and inclusive of the person. Because person and environment are in a state of constant mutual process, there is no distinction from an energetic perspective” (Thornton et al., 2002).

Health 

“The subjective experience of well-being” (Thornton, 2005).

Whole Person Caring 

“The delivery of care and services to promote well-being. Whole-person caring is based on the concepts of sacredness of being; therapeutic partnering: self-care and self-healing; optimal whole-person nourishment; transformational health care leadership; and caring as sacred practice” (Thornton, 2005).

Spirit 

“The spiritual dimension is a unifying field that integrates the physical, mental, emotional, and social/relational aspects of being. The spiritual dimension is the essence of self and also transcends the self. It is our closest, most direct experience of the universal life force” (Thornton et al., 2002).

Concept of Whole-Person 

•Self – Realization

•Emotional 

•Physical 

•Social/Relational 

•Mental

•Spiritual Energy Field 

•(Field of Love) 

(Thornton, 2005)

Development of WPCM 

The Model of Whole-Person Caring was created while Three

Rivers Community Hospital was developing a curriculum with the purpose to create a healing and nurturing environment for both patients and employees (Thornton, 2005).

The New England School of Whole Health Education conducted

A 2-year pilot study, and a behavioral model for creating healing for patients as well as for practitioners and others in the work environment (Donadio, 2005).

Proven Effectiveness 

At Three Rivers Community Hospital, Oregon, the theoretical

WPCM has resulted in quantifiable and sustainable results in the areas of:

•  Increased patient satisfaction 

•  Increased employee satisfaction 

•  Decrease nursing turnover, below the National average 

•  Increased integration of organizational values by employees 

•  Enhanced healing environment 

(Thornton, 2005)

The New England School of Whole-Health Education illustrated its congruency and demonstrated the transformational effects of whole-health education in an educational setting during a 2-year pilot study in 1997 (Donadio, 2005).

Leadership within WPCM 

•  Assess organization’s ideology and culture 

•  Elicit support of key people 

•  Customize strategies for implementation 

•  Involve everyone 

•  Honor and recognize exemplary people 

•  Initiate programs for personal growth and transformation 

•  Incorporate whole-person caring concepts in performance

criteria

References

Donadio, G. (2005). Improving Healthcare Delivery with the

Transformational Whole Person Care Model. Holistic Nursing Practice 19(2) 74-77.

Thornton, L. (2005). The model of whole-person caring: Creating and

      sustaining a healing environment. Holistic Nursing Practice 19 (3),

      106-115.

Thornton, L., Gold, J., & Watkins, M. (2002). The art and science of 

     whole-person caring: an interdisciplinary model for health care

     practice. International Journal for Human Caring 6 (2). 38

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