C.A.R.E. Channel Provides Relaxing Imagery, Music

The Clinical Center now offers access to the C.A.R.E. Channel, which provides a healing environment to patients and their care providers. Images can be seen on hospital TVs or downloaded from www.healinghealth.com.

The channel’s name is an acronym for “Continuous Ambient Relaxation Environment.” View it for free on channel 08 anyplace the Clinical Center cable system is operable.

Running 24/7, it features nature imagery during the day and transitions to a moving star-filled sky during the night, accompanied by original instrumental music designed to be soothing and relaxing.

“When a project involves improving our patients’ experience, it’s never a hard sell to get Clinical Center staff excited to team up and make it happen,” said John Pollack, chief of the department of spiritual care.

The C.A.R.E. Channel is brought to the CC through a collaboration between the departments of spiritual care and nursing. The programming runs 84 hours before repeating itself, which is fitting for extended stays common to the hospital.

The channel is a tool that for some patients may help reduce anxiety, assist with restfulness and offer a positive focal point when in discomfort.

The relaxing images may help calm nerves in clinics and waiting rooms. Outpatients and caregivers may wish to tune in as they wind down in the Safra Lodge from a hectic appointment slate. Or inpatients may find it a welcome alternative if they don’t wish to or are unable to follow news and plot-driven shows. The possibilities are many—whether to add serenity or just drown out hospital noise.

Questions about the channel? Email Pollack at john.pollack@nih.gov.