Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Benchmark – Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Introduction
The healthcare field benefits from diversity on a large scale. It handles people from different cultures who have diverse beliefs and ethics about health care services. Moreover, since many healthcare providers are sure to have one-on-one contact with patients and families hailing from diverse cultures, it is necessary for them to appreciate their religious beliefs, values, and norms if they are going to provide the best health care services. Thus, health care providers need to have an understanding of the various faiths, including Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, Mormonism, Islam, etc. Through this, the patient is given the freedom to exercise their beliefs within the healthcare setting while also receiving the medical care necessary for successful recovery (Healthcare Chaplaincy, 2013). Understanding the impact of the Christian and Buddhist faith on healthcare delivery is vital. These two faiths are prevalent and highly practiced in the United States and China. Additionally, the two faiths have some restrictions based on their beliefs, which may affect how their adherents receive health care. The subsequent essay presents a comparative analysis between the two faiths under the auspice of the thesis that they offer foundational values and beliefs which guide the healthcare entities/practitioners on what to do.
Healthcare Analysis with Comparison in Christianity
The United States of America has for decades now been viewed as the paragon of Christianity with the society actively implementing beliefs and values postulated by the religion. The healthcare industry has not been left behind, with entities like the John Hopkins Hospital leading the charge towards providing patients with quality religion-based healthcare services. The hospital provides its patients with a vast network of clinical services and lab services. The services have been lauded as the universal yardstick of patient care in the world. Subsequently, John Hopkins Hospital has two healthcare departments tailored to the needs of the patients. The first is specialty care, whereby the patients are offered a myriad of services ranging from prevention to surgery (John Hopkins Medicine, 2020). The department focuses on specific areas such as behavioral issues, nutrition as well as cardiology. This helps in providing patients with the best form of care. Primary care, on the other hand, involves a single physician or doctor offering various services for divergent fields. The entity provides key primary services such as internal medicine, family medicine, as well as community medicine. Compassionate care is also a key driving force in the entity (John Hopkins Medicine, 2020). The doctors and specialists are required to actively offer compassion and support to the patient and their families. This plays a major role in improving patient satiation recovery. It is imperative to note that patient care at John Hopkins is foundational to the Christian Faith. As per the bible, it is vital for nurses to be generous to the poor and weak, and the Lord will repay them for their deed (Proverbs 19:17). Moreover, the entity’s mission and vision to help the community are based on the Christian ideology of community love and compassion.
Medicinal processes in the United States vis-à-vis John Hopkins Hospital are largely informed by set guidelines by federal and industry agencies. Diagnostic procedures are important for healthcare organizations as they help determine their short and long-term success in terms of patient outcomes. The diagnostic procedures of diseases such as malaria focus on evaluating the patient’s history of symptoms. The doctors then collect relevant data and make assumptions. This is followed by physical examinations to check for any signs that they could have missed. Addenda to this, the doctors develop a differential or provisional diagnosis to counter the original one. The divergent diagnoses play a role in the ordering, analysis, and determination of test results. The results then aid in reaching a final diagnosis, after which consultations are held. Most of the patients who can handle the disease are discharged with instructions. Those who are unable to handle it are admitted with monitoring and constant follow-ups being conducted. The hospital places a lot of emphasis on the documentation of the diagnostic steps by the doctors. This is momentous in allowing for continuity in the healthcare entity and offering a rationale for decisions made. The preceding diagnostic analysis is important for Christianity as it offers insight into the issues affecting patients. This is shown in Psalms 119:59-90, which calls on human beings to consider their ways in order to find answers to mysteries (The Holy Bible, 1984). The combination of patience in religion with knowledge in diagnosis can go a long way in helping doctors find the answer to key issues affecting patients.
John Hopkins Hospital is well known for its use of physical therapies in pain management. The nurses and doctors create emphasis on aerobic exercises that keep patients mobile and help improve their mood. Furthermore, the hospital implores patients to increase their exercise levels slowly in a bid to avoid over-doing it. Massages also come in handy for pain management as they target soft tissue injuries (Hendler, 2016). Despite being effective in handling pain, the massages are not recommended for joint pains or as long-term therapy options. The hospital also has cognitive behavioral therapy whereby the patients are taught how they can learn to change the way they think. This, in turn, influences how they feel and behave about their pain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is combined with relaxation and stress management methodologies such as yoga and meditation. In some instances, patients have to undergo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy if they are in dire pain (Hendler, 2016; Vallerand, Cosler, Henningfield, & Galassini, 2015). The therapy involves the passing of electrical currents through their skins via electrodes. This prompts a pain-relieving response and accentuates patient satisfaction. Au contraire, patients who get used to this treatment modality find it hard to respond to other treatments. The pain management schemes are lauded by the bible as important in providing patients with comfort as per Job 6:10 (The Holy Bible, 1984). Moreover, the bible highlights that there is a need for medical practitioners to comfort the patients as they receive pain management therapies. This will improve recovery rates and mitigate morbidity.
Healthcare Analysis with Comparison in Buddhism
Located in China, the Beijing Hospital is dubbed as the leading healthcare unit with top tier treatment modalities for its patients. With close to 700 doctors and 1017 nurses, the hospital adheres to the principle of putting people first. Moreover, it strives towards attaining improved excellence and efficiency. This is further exacerbated by the fact that it operates under the auspice of the Ministry of Health. Its services are widespread as it first offers healthcare for senior cadre (Beijing Hospital, 2020). The management believes that the health of the elderly has to be protected at all costs. This is because they form the backbone of the country in terms of conservationism and conventionalism. The effective treatment of the elderly further improves relations with the public and increases the number of walk-ins or referrals. Beijing hospital also offers specialty care to its patients. The rich experience and knowledge of its renowned experts help ensure correct diagnosis (Beijing Hospital, 2020). Most of the treatment plans in the healthcare firm have been reviewed effectively by the Ministry of Health in a bid to determine their efficiency. The end outcome is improved population health. The patient interactions at Beijing Hospital are done with a specific focus on the teachings of the Compassionate One. The practitioners oft believe that they need to see the welfare of others as their own and ergo act as benefactors. As per the Tripitaka, patients are of great benefit to healthcare entities as they offer information on population health (Sengyou, 550 BC).
The Chinese people are praised for their diagnostic procedures, which combine conventional and modern methodologies. The diagnosis of a disease like diabetes is done in gradual steps. The first step is the initial diagnostic assessment, whereby the patient’s history is evaluated. Any gradual changes in healthcare stature prompt a physical exam and analysis of the patient’s chief complaint/symptom. This then allows for the formation of differential diagnosis with the doctors asking for diagnostic tests. The second step is diagnostic testing, wherein lab specialists review the patient blood or fluids for any signs. The results are then sent back to the doctor who interprets and communicates them to the patient (Li, Huang, & Zhang, 2008). The ultimate step is the referral and consultation, whereby the patient is offered medication and continuous help/support. The patients have to comply with the requirements in order for them to record any improvements (Xiao et al., 2018). The Beijing hospital is strict with diagnosis as they believe that following the requisite steps will mitigate malpractice cases. This is because at least 58% of the cases involve failures in the initial diagnostic assessment. Xiao et al. (2018) cite that it is at this stage where a misdiagnosis begins. The diagnosis processes are foundational to the Buddhist faith because the believers are implored to recognize diseases, understand the etiology, determine prognosis as well as remedy as per the Tripitaka. Furthermore, doctors have to learn the causal factors behind sicknesses and aspire for cures. This will, in turn, help in creating a healthy community (Sengyou, 550 BC).
The Beijing Hospital or the Chinese society utilizes traditional methods and modern medications to treat or manage pain. The first therapy is acupuncture, which involves the use of fine, sterile needles that stimulate peripheral nerves to reduce pain. The insertion of needs in specific parts of the body causes the release of endorphins in the brain, which block pain pathways (Xiao et al., 2018). The release process leaves the patient relaxed during and after the treatment. Thus far, the therapy has proven effective in managing chronic pain. Tui na Massage is another pain management therapy that focuses on soft tissue injury. The therapy is a combination of massage and acupressure, with divergent parts of the body being manipulated. The therapy is administered after the practitioner asks a series of questions geared towards knowing where the pain is prevalent. The hospital then offers herbal compresses, heat, and ointments that enhance the massage. The final method is cognitive behavioral therapy, whereby patients review their thought patterns and change how they feel or behave about pain. This method provides patients with the necessary resources to self manage their pain. The therapies are foundational to the Buddhist faith as they improve patient health (Sengyou, 550 BC). The Tripitaka denotes that the highest gain in one’s life is health, with the highest bliss being the Nibbana. This means that handling the pain increases mental strength (Sengyou, 550 BC).
What are common Beliefs Between these Religions in Spiritual components of Healing
A diachronic analysis of the two healthcare settings highlights that they have specific commonalities in terms of pain management. To begin with, the two implore patients to take charge of their healthcare in order to minimize the time and resources spent on treatment initiatives. This confirms the shift from a paternalistic model of care towards one that is patient-centric (Around, 2006). The shift is momentous in healing as it introduces a sense of responsibility for the patient and their families. The end outcome is improved community healthcare.
The second commonality is in pain management, whereby they both use cognitive behavioral therapy. The strategy is important in linking the brain to the body and creating a sustainable nexus focused on recovery. The therapy has also proven in both religions to re-train and alter the behavioral tendencies of patients with the recovery time being shortened effectively. Moreover, cognitive-behavioral therapy is connected with spirituality as most sick people tend to review their lives in order to get atonement, which somewhat provides hope. Hope is a key tenet of healthcare as practitioners are also expected to improve the confidence of the patient in their recovery process.
Important to Patients of Faith When Cared for by Someone with a Different Faith
In health care, providers should avoid insulting patients from any faith by understanding their needs and demands. Moreover, hiring and retaining providers of the same gender as patients can help to maximize their comfort and long term recovery. Additionally, most faiths uphold modesty even though others do not; however, it is better to uphold it regardless of the faith professed (Tidwell & Sowman, 2002). As stated earlier, it provides conformity to a given patient, resulting in the creation of a trusting relationship with the healthcare provider.
Additionally, in order to avoid offending a person from a different faith, it is necessary to facilitate practice. This involves respecting the wishes of patients concerning healthcare practices. Giving provision for quiet time to carry out their religious practices, for instance, as well as ensuring an environment that is calm, peaceful, and comforting to the dying patient. Showing respect to the beliefs and rituals of the patient makes the person feel at ease since they can practice their faith when experiencing discomfort. Eventually, in some cases, their rituals may clash with the protocols of the nurse. Even so, respect for the patient’s wishes will prevent offending the people from different faiths.
Conclusion
The main lesson learned from the research is that people practice many other faiths at which each belief may practice different practices concerning to health care. They also have different beliefs about the cause of illness and the requirements on how to heal. Another lesson from the research was that giving patients permission to practice their beliefs during distressful times can impact the process of healing for the patient. In the same way, after looking into the Christian and Buddhist faith, it was exposed that the two have similarities; however, they differ in their perspective about receiving healthcare services and their ideas about suffering.
The lessons can be actively implemented in healthcare by practitioners as they respect the wishes of patients. For example, many female patients prefer receiving care from female practitioners, and if this is put into consideration, the patient will appreciate it. Additionally, practitioners should respect the rituals of their patients during the process of healing. Moreover, the practitioner should talk to the patient and the family members about the treatment processes, offer a supportive environment, uphold the privacy, etc. Finally, showing radical love and care to the patient can enhance their successful recovery.
Ultimately, the process and concept of healing look different for different individuals from a spiritual perspective. Healing is the process of getting a patient healthy from different ailments. In order for individuals to become healthy, it has to occur in a holistic manner where the body, mind, and soul are healthy. Whereas the understanding of healing will never be agreed on among different faiths, loving each other and caring for the poor and sick will be the most prominent value in the health care sector.
References
Arond, D. E. (2006). Eye on Religion: Buddhism and Medicine. Southern Medical
Journal, 99(12), 1450–1451. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=23644803&site=eds-live&scope=site
Beijing Hospital. (2020). Introduction of Beijing Hospital. Retrieved October 3, 2020, from beijinghospital.com: http://www.bjhmoh.cn/english/
HealthCare Chaplaincy. (2013). Handbook of Patients’ Spiritual and Cultural Values for Health
Care Professionals. Retrieved from
http://www.healthcarechaplaincy.org/userimages/Cultural%20Sensitivity%20handbook%
20from%20HealthCare%20Chaplaincy%20%20(3-12%202013).pdf
Hendler, N. (2016). Evaluating Chronic Pain Patients Using Methods from Johns Hopkins Hospital Physicians. Journal of Pain and Relief , https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309294238_Evaluating_Chronic_Pain_Patients_Using_Methods_from_Johns_Hopkins_Hospital_Physicians.
John Hopkins Medicine. (2020). Community Physicians. Retrieved October 3, 2020, from hopkinsmedicine.org: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/community_physicians/
Li, X., Huang, J., & Zhang, H. (2008). An Analysis of Hospital Preparedness Capacity for Public Health Emergency in Four Regions of China: Beijing, Shandong, Guangxi, and Hainan. BMC Public Health , https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23268974_An_Analysis_of_Hospital_Preparedness_Capacity_for_Public_Health_Emergency_in_Four_Regions_of_China_Beijing_Shandong_Guangxi_and_Hainan.
Sengyou. (550 BC). Tripitaka.
The Holy Bible. (1984). Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
Vallerand, A. H., Cosler, P., Henningfield, J., & Galassini, P. (2015). Pain Management Strategies and Lessons from the Military: A Narrative Review. Pain Research & Management .
Tidwell, C., &Sowman, J. (2002). The healing space: healthcare environments are transcending
the ordinary to enhance the patient experience. (Hospitals & Providers). Managed Healthcare Executive, (5), 35. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.87351735&site=eds-live&scope=site
Xiao, H., Liu, H., Liu, J., Zuo, Y., Liu, L., Zhu, H., et al. (2018). Pain Prevalence and Pain Management in a Chinese Hospital. Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research , 7809-7819.