Stories of Innovation Posts

The newest member of our animal assisted therapy program is not really a pet at all, but a robot. A therapeutic robot baby harp seal, intended to be very cute and cuddly, is being used with patients diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. “Paro” is soft and lifelike and has tactile sensors. The robotic seal responds to petting by moving its tail and opening and closing its eyes. It also responds to sounds and can learn a name. It can show emotions such as surprise, happiness and anger, and produces sounds similar to a real baby seal.

Paro was developed for therapy to replace real animals when patient interaction with therapy pets might pose a danger to the patient or the pet. Studies since 2008 in Danish nursing homes have found that Paro soothed dementia patients and helped them communicate. The potential impact of Paro became apparent early on with a dementia patient who had not moved her arms or unclenched her hands in months. As the seal was placed into her arms, she stroked the seal and unclenched her fists. Two of the robotic seals are now in service with hospice patients, providing a new and effective therapeutic treatment alternative.

Kathleen Emerson, LPN, CHPLN

Imagine lying back in your recliner on a warm summer evening looking up at a beautiful night sky filled with stars and soft puffy clouds. The galaxy with its pinpoints of brilliance is immense before you. Imagine the peacefulness and comfort this brings to you. Hospice of Dayton is engaged in research with Laser Star Projectors to provide a non-pharmacological solution to anxiety and agitation often experienced by patients at while nearing their life’s journey.

The Laser Star Projectors are part of the ongoing expansion of complementary innovative medical approaches provided by Hospice of Dayton. They are used as adjuncts to conventional medicine. Our program started with one projector. Response from patients and families was so positive the use of the star projector caught on quickly. Soon we had patients and family members requesting the projector for their room. We had one patient, who was experiencing extreme terminal agitation. No amount of medication, soft lights, quiet music or peaceful room helped this patient experience peace and relaxation. We took the projector into his room, turned the lights down and the star projector on. Immediately, the scene playing out on his ceiling entranced the patient. He laid there quietly, watching the stars and clouds, until he dozed off to sleep. This became a daily ritual for this patient, affording him the peace and rest he needed. After he slipped into a non-responsive state, his wife would frequently request the star machine, stating it helped her to relax while she sat with her husband. After his passing, his family donated five star machines to the unit. More donations followed as families found their loved ones benefited with less anxiety and agitation. Use of the equipment is being expanded to address the needs of patients in home care and extended living facilities. We are now engaged in several research projects in collaboration with Miami Valley Hospital and Children’s Medical Center of Dayton to document and track the effectiveness of light therapy in a variety of care settings.

An enormous passion for hospice and palliative care and an unqualified commitment to patients at the end-of-life has characterized the career of Jules Sherman, D.O., F.A.C.O.I. Dr. Sherman has been instrumental to the evolution of hospice and palliative care in the Dayton area, and fundamental to the reputation and respect that Hospice of Dayton has earned in the community. In 2009, the Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization honored him with the “Friend of Hospice Award” for physician contributions to hospice care.

Dr. Sherman’s efforts, as an advocate for patients and families, have helped frame a wider range of options for care, and his mentorship of both physicians and clinicians has created a new generation of caregivers committed to the hospice and palliative care philosophy.

Dr. Sherman is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology as well as Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and past President of the Dayton District Academy of Osteopathic Medicine. His association with Hospice of Dayton began during his tenure as a principal in an oncology practice. In this role he became a strong advocate for the hospice option for patients and helped spearhead the development of hospice services in Dayton. He began serving as Medical Director of Hospice of Dayton in 1984, and in 2002 he joined the staff full-time as Clinical Medical Director. He was appointed Chief Medical Officer in 2007.

During his tenure of medical leadership, Hospice of Dayton has become actively involved in the education and training of future hospice care providers as an affiliate of Wright State University School of Nursing; Wright State University School of Medicine and Ohio University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Residency rotations are offered at HOD for physicians from Good Samaritan Hospital, Miami Valley Hospital, Grandview Medical Center, Kettering Medical Center, and the Clinton Memorial Hospital family practice program of the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Sherman has also led the effort to extend palliative care offerings in the communities we serve by establishing a Palliative Care Consultants service, extending the palliative expertise of Hospice of Dayton physicians to local hospitals. His support and involvement has been instrumental in implementing and extending palliative care services at Kettering Medical Center and The Atrium Medical Center. Under his leadership, members of Hospice of Dayton staff have served as members of the Palliative Care Committee at Miami Valley Hospital. As an advocate for patient self-determination, Dr. Sherman has also assisted area healthcare facilities in addressing ethical issues surrounding end-of-life and has served as an active member of the Ethics Committees at area hospitals and extended care facilities.