“Cultural and religious aspects of palliative care” by Steinberg (2011) provides an over view of palliative care. Defining palliative care as medical treatment with a focus on relieving the symptoms and pain of a serious illness, rather than curing the illness itself. This treatment can be provided to people of all ages, at any stage of their illness. Palliative care is often provided in conjunction with other types of medical care, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It can be provided at the family home, in a hospital, or in a hospice setting. The cultural and religious beliefs of patients and their families play an important role in palliative care. An individuals cultural beliefs is an influential factor on how patients and their families view death and dying, as well as their preferences for treatment and care.
In some cultures, it is important to keep the dying person at home. This is often seen as a way to provide comfort and support to the dying person and their family. In other cultures, it is more common for people to die in a hospital or hospice setting.
Some religious beliefs prohibit certain types of treatment, such as withdrawing life support or providing artificial nutrition and hydration. In other religious traditions, these types of treatments are not prohibited.
For example, in the Jewish tradition, suicide, assisted-suicide, and euthanasia are not permitted. However, the Jewish religion recognizes that life is of limited duration and that in end-of-life situations, treatments to provide comfort are permitted even if they have some risk of shortening life. There is no requirement for a Jewish patient to accept any treatment not viewed as curative. Pain and suffering should be minimized even if there is some risk of shortening life.
Similarly, in the Islamic tradition, suicide, assisted-suicide, and euthanasia are prohibited. However, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders are allowable, but only under certain very proscribed conditions. The family is not consulted as they are viewed as unqualified to make such decisions. Three qualified physicians, who sign the DNR form, must make the determination. Living wills and advanced directives are not recognized in Islamic law, as it is believed that only Allah can make decisions on life and death.
The cultural and religious beliefs of caregivers can also impact the care that they provide. For example, a caregiver who is a devout Christian may feel strongly about praying for the dying person. A caregiver who is a Buddhist may focus on providing comfort and support.
It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the cultural and religious beliefs of their patients, their families, and their caregivers. This will help them to provide the most appropriate and sensitive care.
Steinberg suggest healthcare providers take four culturally sensitive in palliative care considerations:
- Ask patients and their families about their cultural and religious beliefs.
- Respect the cultural and religious beliefs of patients and their families.
- Provide care that is consistent with the cultural and religious beliefs of patients and their families.
- Refer patients and their families to resources that can provide additional support.
Culture and religion can have a significant impact on how people perceive palliative care and the decisions that are made at the end of life. This is because these factors can influence how people view death and dying, as well as their beliefs about what constitutes appropriate care. By being aware of the cultural and religious beliefs of their patients, their families, and their caregivers, healthcare providers can provide the most appropriate and sensitive care. This can help to ensure that patients and their families receive the support they need during a difficult time.
Title: Cultural and religious aspects of palliative care.
Author: SM Steinberg.
Journal: International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science.
Year: 2011.
Volume: 1.
Issue: 2.
Page range: 154-156.
DOI: 10.4103/2229-5151.84804.