Use an interpreter when one is needed and speak back to your patient what you have understood about what they’ve said. Find out where the patient falls on the spectrum of being in their own culture and being in the culture they have migrated to.
ROLE OF RELIGION While there is diversity among religions, there are some things you need to understand when dealing with patients who come from different religion. Knowing these practical ways of dealing with different religions will help you understand how to understand the patient’s needs. Always consider using a pastoral care advisor when dealing with a patient who has certain religious beliefs. Like culture, you should not over-generalize about a patient’s religion or their religious beliefs. When dealing with Buddhist patients, know that they place an emphasis on mindfulness. For this reason, they may request time for peace and quiet when they meditate. There may be cultural beliefs about modesty, particularly around members of the opposite sex. Be prepared to feed these patients vegetarian foods and know that some medications are animal-based. They may refuse pain medications that might cloud their consciousness. Chanting or praying out loud can be part of this culture and there may be a request to burn incense or candles. Many of these patients will not want their consciousness clouded at the end of their life. Minimize intrusions as the patient and their family prepare for death. Death is perceived as a change or transition and family members may stay away from the patient at the time of death. Do not jostle the patient after death because they believe that the spirit will still reside in the body for a period of time. Religious rites may persist for hours after the patient’s death. In Catholic patients, receiving blessings and sacraments by a Catholic priest are important. This is especially important before any surgery or the possibility of death. Last rites or Sacrament of the Sick can be done by the priest on these patients. If the patient is dying, there may be an urgent request for a priest to pray for the patient or deliver last rites. Baptism is also very important if an infant is dying. Baptism can be done by anyone with proper intent if a priest is unavailable. You should know how to
11
