Music Provides Relaxation, Healing for Patients
Mary Beth Palkon-Krytzer, RN, is a clinical nurse II in CDU at Beebe Healthcare’s Main Campus in Lewes.
As a nurse for more than 37 years, Palkon-Krytzer has always believed in the healing power of music. When she came to Beebe, she talked to her supervisors about ways to bring music into patient rooms.
“Many of our patients are older and many may be suffering from dementia. I’ve always felt that having music playing helps relax them and takes them back to a better time in their lives,” she said.
Music & Visual Therapy
Beebe partnered with the C.A.R.E. Channel®, which offers continuous relaxation imagery and music. This channel is available in all patient rooms.
The C.A.R.E. Channel® is produced by Healing Healthcare Systems, which uses evidence-based research to assure the channel’s benefit for patients in the hospital. The C.A.R.E. Channel® aims to promote a sense of well-being for patients. The 24-hour format promotes relaxation during the day and enhances restful sleep at night.
In addition to improving sleep, music also helps with emotional healing, according to research cited by Psychology Today. Studies show that music can slow the heart rate, reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels. It can also help those suffering from depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
“The music and imagery on the C.A.R.E. Channel® helps everyone – patients and Beebe team members – relax and feel more positive,” Palkon-Krytzer said. “We use it a lot on my unit and have received so many compliments from patients.”
The station, which can be found on channel 12 in all Beebe patient rooms, does not include advertisements and adjusts based on the time of day. At night there are star sequences and in the morning, the sun rises and birds began to chirp.
“The channel really puts everyone in a better mindset and helps drown out the machines and other hospital noises,” said Palkon-Krytzer, a Philadelphia native who moved to the Lewes area about five years ago to live near the beach.
“We got the chance to move here and we are so blessed to be here,” she said. “Beebe is like a family. I have really felt at home and always love hearing the stories of how people are related or maybe they feel related because members of the Beebe team are so close.”
“Having the C.A.R.E. Channel® only increases this closeness, because now we as a team can enjoy it and recommend it to our patients and their family members. It really helps set the mood, improve sleep, and provide a more relaxing environment. It’s like spa music for patients.”
The C.A.R.E. Channel® is in use at more than 800 hospitals and healthcare systems. At Beebe, the channel is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on channel 12.
“Having the C.A.R.E. Channel® at Beebe is exciting because it enhances the environment of healing,” said Keith Goheen, Chaplain and member of the Patient Experience Team at Beebe Healthcare. “In the busy and sometimes chaotic hospital day, the C.A.R.E. Channel® can be an oasis of calm for body and spirit.”