THE WHOLE PERSON CARE APPROACH AT POLARA HEALTH
The concept of whole person care at Polara Health embodies a profound change in our healthcare philosophy, placing equal emphasis on the physical, emotional, social, and mental aspects of well-being. This approach acknowledges the intricate interplay of these elements in shaping an individual's overall health and quality of life. By embracing whole person care, we enhance health outcomes and cultivate a patient-centered, empathetic environment where individuals feel truly heard, valued, and understood—an essential component of a fulfilling life.
Central to whole person care is its patient-centered focus, which involves actively engaging with patients, understanding their unique needs, preferences, and aspirations, and involving them in decisions regarding their care. This approach fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, leading to improved treatment adherence and outcomes. Moreover, by considering all facets of a person's health, whole person care can help identify and address underlying issues contributing to health problems, resulting in more effective and sustainable interventions.
Recognizing that well-being is influenced by various factors beyond medical conditions, whole person care extends beyond symptom management. It acknowledges that elements such as relationships, personal resources, healthcare literacy, access to care, equity, employment, and living environment play vital roles in health. These factors, identified as the "Social Determinants of Health" by the National Institute of Health, are at the forefront of our approach, as we are dedicated to addressing them for each client through whole person care.
Dr. Lisa Emmans, Polara Health’s Integrated Care/Primary Care Doctor joined Polara Health late last year. Dr. Emmans will play a vital role in our Integrated Care services, which emphasize the significance of addressing not only physical health but also mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Emmans pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor in Colorado. Starting her career as an Emergency Medicine Physician, she later completed an Internal Medicine residency. With nearly 30 years of experience, mostly in Arizona, we are happy to have Dr. Emmans as a valued member of our team.
To integrate the whole person care philosophy into practice, Polara Health is combining primary care with psychiatric services. The new Polara Health Integrated Care Center at Gail Gardner Way will provide comprehensive care, addressing individuals' entire healthcare needs. Our Gail Gardner office is set to open in late spring/early summer. Polara Health currently offers Primary Care services at our Windsong Drive location in Prescott Valley and our Ruth Street location in Prescott. For those interested in learning more about Polara Health’s Integrated Care/Primary Care services, please call 928-445-5211. Dr. Lisa Emmans is accepting new patients in Yavapai County.
Whole person care at Polara Health transcends a mere model; it represents our commitment to treating individuals with the dignity, respect, and personalized attention they deserve. By integrating primary care with psychiatric services and addressing the social determinants of health, we aspire to create a healthcare experience that is truly transformative. Our team of dedicated practitioners is here to support each person's unique journey toward better health, ensuring that no aspect of their well-being is overlooked. Together, we are shaping a future where healthcare is not just about treating illness but about nurturing the whole person.