Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Running head: HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND FAITH DIVERSITY
Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Mary Burke
Grand Canyon University
HLT-310V
November 17, 2012
Abstract
As healthcare providers we must keep in mind that we provide care to patients from a number of different religious traditions. It is our job to understand and respect the ideals that may affect our patient and family members. Sixty one percent of Americans state that religion is the most important thing in their daily lives, (Gallup, 1990). Ninety four percent agreed that spiritual health is just as important as physical health. The Joint Council for accreditation of healthcare organizations (JCAHO), states that a spiritual assessment should be preformed on each patient identifying their denomination, beliefs and spiritual practices. With so many different religions, it is difficult to know what our patient’s beliefs and rituals are. So it is important to ask the patient and their family members about their cultural and religious beliefs while hospitalized. Understanding their beliefs can lead to a positive hospital experience. For some, the simple belief in the power of prayer can be displayed. Understanding your patient’s religious beliefs is important because it can be a deciding factor to many tests or procedures. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with moral and religious norms. There may be a time when your religious beliefs don’t come close to what your patient believes, but it is critical to find a middle ground where they can practice their beliefs without affecting yours. It’s not our jobs to question or try to understand our patient’s beliefs, but it is important to allow our patients to utilize their beliefs in the fullest to encourage the patient to heal physically, mentally and spiritually. Christian Perspectives/Components of Care and Healing Many Christians believe that if you live a clean life, develop spirituality
Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Mary Burke
Grand Canyon University
HLT-310V
November 17, 2012
Abstract
As healthcare providers we must keep in mind that we provide care to patients from a number of different religious traditions. It is our job to understand and respect the ideals that may affect our patient and family members. Sixty one percent of Americans state that religion is the most important thing in their daily lives, (Gallup, 1990). Ninety four percent agreed that spiritual health is just as important as physical health. The Joint Council for accreditation of healthcare organizations (JCAHO), states that a spiritual assessment should be preformed on each patient identifying their denomination, beliefs and spiritual practices. With so many different religions, it is difficult to know what our patient’s beliefs and rituals are. So it is important to ask the patient and their family members about their cultural and religious beliefs while hospitalized. Understanding their beliefs can lead to a positive hospital experience. For some, the simple belief in the power of prayer can be displayed. Understanding your patient’s religious beliefs is important because it can be a deciding factor to many tests or procedures. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with moral and religious norms. There may be a time when your religious beliefs don’t come close to what your patient believes, but it is critical to find a middle ground where they can practice their beliefs without affecting yours. It’s not our jobs to question or try to understand our patient’s beliefs, but it is important to allow our patients to utilize their beliefs in the fullest to encourage the patient to heal physically, mentally and spiritually. Christian Perspectives/Components of Care and Healing Many Christians believe that if you live a clean life, develop spirituality
References: Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy Vol. 9. No. 1. 2006 GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS INTERACTING WITH PATIENTS OF THE BUDDHIST RELIGION AND THEIR FAMILIES CPWR –Council for a parliament of the world’s religions GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS INTERACTING WITH PATIENTS OF NATIVE AMERICANS AND THEIR FAMILIES CPWR –Council for a parliament of the world’s religions Putsch R. W., Cross-Cultural Communication: The Special case of Interpreters in Health Care: JAMA 1985; 254(23): 3344-48