Addressing Spirituality in Healthcare

A health care provider is not only a professional who provides medical treatment, but someone who provides a ministry of service. There are several health situations in which a health care provider can address issues of spirituality within the following groups: oneself, one’s patient, a patient’s family, and among one’s colleagues.Addressing Spirituality in Healthcare

When addressing the issues of spirituality within oneself, one should start off by performing research and obtaining basic knowledge of the different types of religions and spirituality. It is important that a health care provider brushes up on the traditional practices of religions, such as Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Catholicism, etc. Are there medical practices that these religions are against? Many issues can surface when a patient is getting treated, especially in the hospital setting, end of life issues, such as life support and hospice often causing arguments between family members of the patient and the patient itself. As a health care provider, you need to know your stance on these issues and what guides your spirituality, so you can temper intolerances and educate yourself more in spiritual areas that pose problems for you.Addressing Spirituality in Healthcare

When treating a patient, it is important to develop a solid rapport. Without overstepping your boundaries or breaking issues of confidentiality, find out what a patient likes to do and how they feel about certain medical practices. This can lead to them sharing their spiritual beliefs and customs with you. It is important to stay open and non-judgmental when talking to your patient.