Problem
Case Study: Faith, Culture, and Health
When working with people from different faith backgrounds, it is important to remember that faith and spirituality can influence health behaviors. This is not limited to a hesitancy to accept blood transfusion, as seen in the Jehovah's Witness community, but it can also include dietary behaviors, the role of community, and the beliefs around the purpose of life. As a healthcare provider, it will be your responsibility to understand that you will be treating a whole person, rather than treating an illness or symptoms.
It will help you to think through this activity in its entirety. Then, write out your responses to each question. From there, condense what you have learned into a concise, coherent demonstration of your ability to provide culturally competent and humble care to a patient.
Thoughtfully consider how a mental health therapist might work with a recent below-the-knee leg amputee.....
A. What questions should you ask, related to religion, to understand how you might tailor your care to best serve them?
B. Think through the care process in its entirety. Determine two ways that you could potentially gather information related to their religious beliefs and how it might impact their health beliefs. Describe how you would gather information using your two chosen methods.
C. If a patient stated that they believe their recent amputation is the result of a sin, karma, or as a punishment for their previous actions, how would that change your approach to care?
D. Now, consider a client who told you that they believe their situation is out of their control, what type of treatment plan would you encourage?
E. Finally, how would you approach healing in a patient who believes that healing is the job of a supernatural being or energy force?