Healthcare Provider and Faith Diversity

Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
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Institution
Abstract
The provision of healthcare has undergone significant changes over the years. Traditionally, care delivery was approached from the scientific point of view, whereby doctors applied scientific knowledge about a health condition to give a treatment therapy. However, the need to improve patient outcome and satisfy patient needs has encouraged the alignment of care delivery with the cultural and religious beliefs and values of patients. This essay discusses the application of Christian, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jewish religious perspectives in healthcare. It outlines acceptable and unacceptable healthcare practices within these religious contexts.
Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Introduction
Health care has continued to mature over the years. Thirty years ago, patient care and health care was largely considered as to simply involve medical science application to disease. This notion has changed over time as there are now diverse perspectives on healthcare delivery, which are informed by different religions, traditions and faiths. Different faiths and religions have their own beliefs when it comes their philosophy of providing health care. Individual members differ in their practices and beliefs from their official teachings of their religions. The increasing awareness of the significance of spirituality on health care calls for the need to look into the some spiritual history in comparison to the modern Christian perspective.
Buddhism
Buddhists believe that a person who is spiritually focused is able to respond to any sickness more peacefully (Baluff, 2004). When illness occurs, they believe that spiritual balance can assist them through the illness. The Buddhists strive to set their minds to their fullest potential in such a way that they put wisdom and compassion into practice. They try to work and understand with illness and suffering in order for it to bring out the most of their spiritual growth.
Most of the Buddhists believe that a person who is spiritually focused should not fall sick (Baluff, 2004). In case they fall ill, they believe that cure can be obtained through using herbs or thinking correctly. Others believe that if their bodies are exposed to harsh natural conditions, they are less likely to fall sick now that their immune system will be stronger.
Do’s and Don’ts in relation to health
Daily devotions include mantras, prayer and several mediation practices. Some people accept organ donation while blood donation is seen as being honorable. Physical contact between male and female is not allowed for nuns and monks.
Medical Healing
The Buddhists believe that conception takes place when the consciousness meets a fertilized egg. To them, this is the beginning of life and after this point, abortion is considered as killing. However, birth controls aimed at preventing conception are acceptable. Decisions on ending life are mostly guided by two important goals; not being in excessive pain and having a mind that is alert (Baluff, 2004). Some of the pain control measures are acceptable in this religion if they do not in any way affect consciousness.
Allowing an individual to die naturally is given the highest priority. Following the emphasis on quite and peace, most of the modern ICU’s are ill-suited for patients of Buddhist faith. With the constant noise and harsh lights, it becomes impossible for them to have a contemplative attitude they believe is necessary for recovery. Medicine from the west is normally avoided as most of them believe they weaken the body. Even some of the traditional Eastern treatment and medicine are shunned now that they use animal products.
Sikhs
Having its origin in India, most of the Sikhs combine herbs with Western medicine as well as other alternative therapies. Illicit drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are avoided as they are considered as to be ungodly. The Sikhs believe that the will of God is always carried out, whether the results are achieved through traditional medicine or prayers (Puchalski & Romer, 2010). A good number of them choose the will of God instead of medical treatment plans recommendations.
Do’s and Don’ts
Sikhs believe that the turban or scarf should not be removed without giving valid explanations, after which the patient is allowed to take them off but in a private place. The headdress should not be put in the same place as patient’s shoes. The patients have to be consulted before shaving or cutting any hair on any part of their body. It is also preferred that treatment should be offered by the same sex health care giver. Cleanliness is valued highly where daily hygiene and bathing are always provided for the patients unless medically contraindicated.
Medical Healing
A Sikh...