Spiritual and Religious Considerations

The diversity of the religious and cultural backgrounds of the patient population is an important consideration when providing health education. Cultural and religious needs are assessed with the patient's entry into the system, during the course of hospitalization and, when appropriate, as part of discharge planning. Patients are asked whether there are religious or cultural beliefs and practices that staff should be aware of in order to provide respectful care and education. Among the issues that arise that may affect the education plan are the following:

Death and bereavement (e.g. care of the body, last rites, choice of cremation, mourning rituals).

General ritual needs (e.g. prayer, Holy Communion before surgery, special service books or text necessary for observance)

Dietary observance (e.g., kosher or halal food).

Treatment issues (e.g., blood transfusions, cessation of treatment).

Ethical/moral concerns having to do with end of life issues (e.g., removal of life support, use of brain death criteria).