Religion and Healthcare
Sister Mary is a patient in Level 2 Emergency Department. She must have a neural examination, physical assessment, radiographs of her facial bones, and a computed tomography scan of the head. Taking into consideration that she is a Roman Catholic nun, what would be the ideal course of patient education as this woman progresses from department to department?
Religion affects the health beliefs of people. Religion is a subject that individuals encounter on a daily basis since people have to adhere to the specific rules established in their religion (Arousell & Carlbom, 2016). Religion has the ability to connect an individual to the community as well as the superior authority. This connection brings psychological stability, which is healthy for the healing process.
In this scenario, Mary is a Nun. This title means that Mary is a strong believer and follows the belief established under the catholic demonization. The ideal course of patient education should respect the patient’s beliefs about healthcare and the role of spirituality. As a Catholic nun, the healthcare providers should not be surprised seeing her with a rosary and occasionally saying a prayer. Catholic as a Christian denomination is not known to have religious beliefs that contradict the universally recognized principles of care apart from subjects such as abortion and other controversial issues.
Health education should focus on explaining the benefits and side effects associated with each test or healthcare services in the departments. In each department, healthcare providers must harness the ability to promote a healthy lifestyle. In this sense, the caregivers must be conscious of the religious principles, including spiritual and social support, the sanctity of human life, meaningful roles in the society and the spiritual support (Arousell & Carlbom, 2016).
References
Arousell, J., & Carlbom, A. (2016). Culture and religious beliefs in relation to reproductive health. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 32, 77-87.