MEDICAL NEWS
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Medicine HEALING ARTS PROGRAM DEBUTS By Rich Ellis
Soon there will be a new form of treatment available in the region—one that doesn’t involve medication or even oversight by a physician or nurse. A healing arts program that incorporates the literary, visual, and performing arts is being launched by Carilion Clinic. Named after the highly regarded Roanoke thoracic surgeon, e Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Healing Arts Program will create inspiring and restorative environments for patients, visitors, and caregivers. (Dr. Keeley, 91, is medical liaison for nursing services at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.) “We’re beginning with a pilot project to introduce journaling in several units at the hospital,” says Marie Webb, senior director of community outreach for Carilion. “We’ll distribute journals and pens to patients who are often hospitalized for a longer period of time, such as oncology and cardiac surgery patients. “Patients want to express their feelings,” Webb says. “Journaling gives them that opportunity. Some patients may choose to create their own life map or tree of life in their journal.” Writing in a journal can also help patients ease their transition from the hospital to home by letting them write down questions about their care, along with their caregivers’ instructions.
A Healing environment As part of the program, a healing garden will be planted near the Roanoke River Greenway in partnership with the City of Roanoke. “We’re creating a small 10
SPRING 2013 | CarilionClinic.org