Topic > Religious Considerations for Healthcare Workers in…

IntroductionReligious preferences, beliefs and practices are all things you are likely to encounter, regardless of your line of work. Religious affiliation for some is a passive association that carries less weight in everyday life, but for others it is a very real and integral part of their life; shape how they handle situations, personal preferences, and attitudes toward health care. Educating healthcare providers about various religions not only allows them to be more culturally competent in their respective fields, but will also help guide them in the practical implications for healthcare regarding the needs of those they serve.1 As modern medicine continues to advance , healthcare no longer takes a dualistic approach and tends to focus more on physical dysfunction. Some studies suggest that spirituality should be considered a vital sign to evaluate when treating a patient. Previous research shows that patients who receive religious services during their medical stay have decreased perceptions of pain and higher ratings of clinical care received.2 In today's world of healthcare, some basic knowledge about religions may be helpful to understand and accommodate the needs of our patients. needs.1 Below are the main ideas of popular religious groups and their interaction with health workers. These religions are identified as some of the major religious groups in the United States.3ChristianityChristianity is the largest religious group in the world, accounting for approximately 33% of the world's population. In the United States, 88% of the population identifies as Christian. This religious group is composed of many subgroups that vary widely in terms of religious beliefs, worship, rules and practices....... middle of paper ......nt which can result in a better doctor-patient relationship and improved quality of life.2 Whether a person is religious, nonreligious, or somewhere in between, many people do not fully understand the complexity of religion. Religion has various meanings depending on the individual. There is no clear, commonly accepted definition of religion and spirituality, which contributes to complexity and lack of understanding. It is important to increase understanding, but remember that religious affiliation does not stereotype the patient and their health care needs. It is not a one-way street where healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals must engage in learning about religions, spirituality and religious communities. Religious communities must also make an effort to bridge the gap in understanding formal healthcare and its policies.1