“Religious or spiritual practices may generate significant support and peace in trying times for the adult with cancer and their family”
– Carol Long PhD, RN, FPCN
- Provide an environment in which the persons from diverse cultural backgrounds feel comfortable discussing their cultural health beliefs, spiritual beliefs, and practices in the context of negotiating treatment options
- Be familiar and respectful of various traditional healing systems and beliefs and, where appropriate, integrate these approaches into treatment plans
- When individuals need additional assistance, it may be appropriate to involve a patient-advocate, case manager, traditional healer, or ombudsperson with special expertise in cross-cultural issues/spirituality
Questions you may consider asking:
- Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?
- What gives your life meaning?
- What role do your beliefs play in regards to your health?
- What kind of treatments and/or medicine would best help you?
References:
Long, C. O. (2011). Cultural and spiritual considerations in palliative care. Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology, 33, S96-S101.
cultural competence in nursing 