Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Raquel Miller Grand Canyon University: HLT-310V Spirituality in Health Care June 7, 2015 Abstract Today in the world, there are many different cultures, faiths, and religious orders that healthcare workers are exposed to on a daily basis. Due to that, healthcare workers must comprehend and respect the concerns and idea’s that the patient and their families have. This paper will complete a comparative analysis of two faith philosophies that provide healthcare. The two faiths that are chosen are Christianity and Buddhism. In this paper, there are many topics that will be reviewed such as different belief/religious systems in regards to healing (e.g. prayer, hope, and meditation), important factors for patients when taken care of by someone of a different faith, and spiritual perspectives. Furthermore, bringing to light the significance of how healthcare workers must care for patients that are from a different culture or religious belief.
Health Care Providers and Faith Diversity Knowing that healthcare workers come into contact with many different cultures and religions, it is vital that all healthcare staff become familiar at least with the main basics of each culture or religion. Since it is impossible to memorize all of the different cultures and religions in today’s world, healthcare staff should then inquire from the patient and their families about their faith and what are the critical components that must be integrated into their plan of care to provide a successful recovery. It is critical that all healthcare staff must know that the patient is the best resource when determining what cares and needs are to be added to the plan of care. Buddhism To start, Buddhism will be discussed. Buddha was a man who experienced enlightenment and then decided to teach others of his journeys and different experiences in his life. It is important to understand that people who are Buddhist’s do not pray to Buddha. Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) also never claimed to be a God here on earth or in the afterlife. Buddhists people also do not pray to his Buddha’s image or any other idols, (Smith, 2006). Buddhists simply admire and strive to live a life like his because it entails having peace, joy, and love from within. Buddha’s teaching are basic and can be simplified to three statements: Always try to do good, do no harm to yourself or others, and meditate to provide inner peace and strength. Meditation and visualization are critical components and vital pieces that is entailed in Buddhism. To the Buddhist, the mind is considered to be very strong and it has the ability to comprehend everything. Visualization along with meditation are used by Buddhist to heal as they sing and recite tunes while envisioning holy images this gives inner strength and helps wash away the negativity that is within. Healers “lamas” are also a critical component in the healing process. They bless medicine that will be used and also may bless any procedure that may be performed, (Smith, 2006). Karma is also a key component in the Buddhism belief as it states that what one may do may affect them in their future. In other words, anything that happens now may be a direct indication of a previous act that is either in the current life or even in a previous life as they believe in reincarnation. An example would be if a Buddhist become sick, this may be interpreted as this person may have done something wrong and needs to perform a good deed that will have a positive impact, (Arritt, 2015). In order for a Buddhist not to become sick they must stay free from any negativity that the world may have. Buddhists also believe that selfishness is one of the main characteristics that may bring trouble and grief into one’s lifetime. Death is viewed as one life is ended however, their karma and soul then journeys into a new life. They will remain living into a new body whether it be an animal or person or anything alive. There are four noble truths that are mentioned for those who practice Buddhism, suffering does exist, suffering does have an end, all suffering has some type of a cause, and finally there is a path that leads to the end of any suffering, (Smith, 2006). This is very important to know as healthcare workers because the overall goal for a person who practices Buddhism, is the achievement of freedom from pain (Nirvana). From a spiritual perspective, Buddhists have faith and believe that healing may occur along with a state of wellbeing only if the person is healed from the disease as well as any internal factors that may hinder the person’s recovery process (negative acts or thinking). The mind is thought to be the creator of all sickness and health. This demonstrates to the healthcare providers that lifestyle changes are needed in order to have a successful recovery. Buddhists are also a lot more accepting to interventions, treatment, and medications from hospital staff in order to help achieve recovery. This is significant to comprehend since Buddhism is more compliant than other religious beliefs, (Tanaka, 1999). Healthcare workers should remember to try and make the environment for the Buddhist patient more peaceful and quiet so that visualizing and meditation can be achieved. Also it is important to understand that when narcotics are considered for treatment of care, Buddhist’s may deny these medications as they are thought to cloud one’s judgement and awareness, (Mc Cormick, 2014). Other pain relievers should be offered. Buddhists also may prefer to have a healthcare worker of the same gender care for them, this is due to modesty. As it is shown, Buddhism seems to be more of a way of life. Buddhism can be expanded as a type of natural medicine that allows one to clear and restore the mind from negative thoughts and actions which in turn will provide healthy thoughts, actions, and behaviors, (Arritt, 2015).