Mission & Values

The Institute of Living’s model of care is derived from a longstanding humanistic tradition and a rigorous commitment to scientific advances.

Treatment at the Institute of Living is based on respect for the dignity and individuality of each patient. This principle is embodied in the therapeutic connections between patients and staff working together to achieve the healthiest results. Such collaboration is guided and sustained by the “best practices” of the Institute. These practices have been developed from many sources including clinical research, evidenced based outcome studies, advances in psychopharmacology, and patient input. They are shaped by Hartford Hospital’s core values of integrity, caring, excellence and safety.

Common to all of the best practices is the belief that recovery is a process centered on the whole person and his/her goals, rights and responsibilities.

Each individual’s potential for restoration is engaged through participation in the treatment process. The journey to wellness is a unique function of autonomy, self determination, and available resources The expertise and compassion of the staff translates best practices into healing encounters.

Many of these practices evolved from the philosophical framework of “Moral Treatment.” Moral Treatment was an approach to mental illness based on humane care and the recognition that the signs and symptoms of mental disorders reflected illness. The Institute of Living, established in 1822, embraced this approach to caring for the mentally ill. By involving these individuals in therapeutic settings, they were treated in a dignified and humane manner. The approach minimized the use of restraints and seclusion and maximized medical, psychological, social, occupational, and spiritual modalities.

Modern Moral Treatment is reflected in the “Best Practices” chosen by the Institute of Living to shape our model of care. These practices are used as a guide to establish the best quality of care possible for our patients and families. Information gathered from our patients and their families, as well as staff recommendations through a continuous improvement process, known as “How Hartford Hospital Works” (H3W), is instrumental to the development, implementation and refinement of these practices. This framework supports provision of the highest quality of care. This approach continuously highlights the importance of involving patients in their care, respecting individual dignity and focusing on the person.

Whether used alone or together, these practices embody the essence of our treatment approach. They assist the staff to carry forth the mission of the Institute of Living.

The Institute of Living Best Practices Model of Care includes the following specific, programmatic interventions:

• Milieu Therapy
• Suicide Assessment, Evaluation and Triage
• Risking Connections
• Recovery Model
• Sensory Modulation Techniques
• Psychopharmacological Model, i.e., rapid medication response protocol
• Assessing Violence Early, Broset Violence Checklist

Hartford HealthCare

Coordinated Quality Care

Hartford HealthCare is creating a better future for healthcare in Connecticut and beyond. We are a community of caregivers engaged in developing a coordinated, consistently high standard of care, using research and education as part of care delivery. We create and engage in meaningful alliances to enhance access to services and invest in technology and training to develop new pathways to improve the timeliness, effectiveness and accuracy of our services.

Mission

To improve the health and healing of all.

Vision

Most trusted for personalized coordinated care.

Our Values

Hartford HealthCare's vision of excellence and leadership is driven by its core values, which are shared by all members of Hartford HealthCare.

CARING: We Do the Kind Thing

Every Hartford HealthCare colleague touches the lives of the patients and families in our care. We treat those we serve and each other with kindness and compassion and strive to better understand and respond to the needs of a diverse community.

EQUITY: We Do the Just Thing

We commit to the fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all. We value the uniqueness of each person and embrace diverse backgrounds, opinions and experiences. We foster intellectual, racial, social and cultural diversity and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Our customers, patients and colleagues experience Hartford HealthCare’s culture of belonging.

EXCELLENCE: We Do the Best Thing

In Hartford HealthCare, only the best will do. We work as a team to bring experience, advanced technology and best practices to bear in providing the highest-quality care for our patients and families. We devote ourselves to continuous improvement, excellence, professionalism and innovation in our work.

INTEGRITY: We Do the Right Thing

Our actions tell the world what Hartford HealthCare is and what we stand for. We act ethically and responsibly in everything we do and hold ourselves accountable for our behavior. We bring respect, openness and honesty to our encounters with patients, families and coworkers and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

SAFETY: We Do the Safe Thing

Patients and families have placed their lives and health in our hands. At Hartford HealthCare our first priority, and the rule of medicine, is to protect them from harm. We believe that maintaining the highest safety standards is critical to delivering high-quality care and that a safe workplace protects us all.