1. 7.03 Cultural and Spiritual beliefs in relation to healthcare.

2. What is culture / spirituality?
Culture - the values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors and customs unique to a group or generation of people.
Spirituality – the beliefs individuals have about themselves, their connections with others and their relationship with a higher power.

3. Spirituality
Expressed through religious practices. It is not the same as religion.
An individual’s need to find meaning and purpose in life.
An individualized & personal set of beliefs & practices that evolves and changes throughout life.

4. Religion
An organized system of belief in a superhuman power or higher power.
Beliefs and practices are associated with a particular form or place of worship.
Very diverse

5. Atheist – a person who does not
believe in any deity.
Agnostic – an individual who believes that the existence of God cannot be proved or disproved.

6. Health care Providers should be aware of their
patient’s spiritual and religious needs.
They should practice the following:
Respect pt’s individual beliefs.
Verify religion/culture/spirituality
Allow pt’s to express their beliefs, practice rituals, and follow special diets. (PRN)

7. United States uses biomedical or “Western” system
Encouraging patients to learn about their illness
Informing patients about terminal illness
Teaching self-care
Using medications and technology to cure or treat disease
Teaching preventive care

8. Beliefs vary greatly among cultures – although not all individuals in a culture believe and follow all the customs
In United States, increasing use of alternative therapies
Individuals have a right to choose their method of health care

9. Beliefs in certain cultures:
South African:
Maintain harmony of body, mind and spirit
Cause: Spirits, demons or punishment from God
Treatment: Prayer or religious rituals

10. Asian
Health is balance of yin and yang
Treatment: Herbal remedies, acupuncture
Believe pain must be endured silently

11. European Hispanic Illness caused by outside sources
Treat with medication, surgery, diet, exercise
Hispanic
Health is a reward from God, good luck
Heat and cold remedies to restore balance, prayers, massage

12. Middle Eastern Health is spiritual, cleanliness essential
Males dominate and make decisions on health care
Spiritual causes of illness, evil eye

13. Native American Health is harmony with nature
Illness caused by supernatural forces and evil spirits
Healer: Medicine man
Tolerance of pain signifies strength and power

14. Show respect for a patient’s spiritual beliefs and practices:
Health care workers determine a patient’s spiritual needs by talking to the patient
Show respect for a patient’s spiritual beliefs and practices:
Willing listener
Support for spiritual and religious practices
Respect of symbols and books
Privacy during clergy visits
Refrain from imposing your beliefs on the patient