Integrating Recreational Art Activities into the Patient Experience
Published April 10, 2023
This research study explores the impact of recreational art activities on the human experience of hospitalized patients. With funds awarded through The Beryl Institute’s Grant Program, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center launched Heart Cart, a painting program for inpatients. Reaction to the initial pilot from cardiac surgery patients was so positive, the art program expanded to other units in their hospital.
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Patient Family & Community Engagement
My Husband Didn’t Have to Die: A Doctor Reflects on all that Went Wrong with Her Husband’s Care in One of the Nation’s Top Medical Centers
Published August 8, 2025
The outcomes of complex care are never predictable. Despite this, reflecting on my husband’s care and his untimely death, I am certain that his fate would have been different with better communication, attention to detail, collaboration, and measures of curiosity, humility, and compassion.
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Environment & Hospitality
Comfort in the Chaos: Volunteer Innovation in the Emergency Department
Published February 3, 2026
Learn how Jefferson Abington Hospital transformed the Emergency Department experience through a volunteer-led Comfort Cart. By offering hygiene and comfort items with compassionate interactions, volunteers helped improve patient dignity and satisfaction. This scalable initiative raised Likelihood to Recommend scores from 45% to 70% in three months. Attendees will gain insight into building volunteer-driven programs that
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Environment & Hospitality
Discharge with Dignity: Ensuring Every Patient Leaves with Care and Compassion
Published September 12, 2025
In this learning bite, Linda Van Fulpen shares how a simple idea—providing clothing and essentials at discharge—grew into a sustainable, hospital-wide initiative at Sharp Grossmont Hospital that meets critical needs, complies with state regulations, and fosters compassion across the community.
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