Integration of Religion into Health Care System

Integration of Religion into Health Care System

For many patients who are still undergoing treatment. Spirituality provides the back bone and support that makes them to move from dissonance and brokenness to reach a sense of wellbeing and wholeness (Nash, 2009). The role of spirituality in religion can be specified as an attachment to religious or other values that assist a person gain insight, self-knowledge and an inner understanding of life. It is now that the health care community started understanding the vital roles religion play in terms of quality health care. The integration of spirituality in religion helps an individual illness and the change. The spiritual perspective and practices provides context in the situation where physical and mental functioning is faced (Nash, 2009).

Research shows that spiritual and religious practices support health. Verifiable research show the relationship between measures of health and religious indices which include: the art of being prayerful, religious observance and self-religiousness (Nash, 2009). Numerous religious institution always provide social support practices that encourage good behaviors among individuals. For example, most of the elder people often turn to religious method to help them cope with their chronic diseases. For instance, they tend to seek spiritual supports from church leaders. There is minimal information on how health practitioners are trained to address the intersection of religion, spirituality and health (Nash, 2009).

There is also evidence that topics on spirituality and health are taught during medical training in the US. There has been an increment on the number of schools teaching incorporating both the subjects. In 1992, there were only three schools that offered the course (Nash, 2009). In 2004 84 medicals schools have been reported to have adapted the curriculum. The American Association of Medical Colleges introduced spiritual care as vital in the communication practices (Nash, 2009). This actually acknowledged spiritual and religious practices. Putting in place all the components needed for a healing hospital sometimes turns out to be challenging, this is because the area is faced with numerous barriers that calls for action to overcome them(Nash, 2009). Firstly it is a challenging effort to bring all the medical practitioners in one given institution with the philosophy of a healing hospital. To solve such a case, it is important for the practitioners to have an open communication channel. Also, in the process of hiring of the workers, there should look for personnel who are willing to go beyond for their patient’s and peers wellbeing (Pulchalski, 2001). In short the recruited health practitioners should have a culture based on holistic approach to healing (Pulchalski, 2001). For instance they should be able to meet the patient on numerous times. Secondly, there is a challenge in terms of fostering a healing physical environment, in that there is lack of funds to support the enhanced program. In order to provide healing to the patients. The hospital should be situated in a quiet environment. For instance, the hospitals should install silencers in the cleaning machines and also carpeting the hallways (Pulchalski, 2001). A quiet environment will create and promote an optimal healing environment for patients and also provides a free environment for employees. Lastly, the hospitals should integrate work design and technology into their hospitals for employees and patients. This will create a more efficient working condition and a secure one both to the patient’s data and the workers. For the staff, the hospital should incorporate electronic medical record system that will allow efficient access to patent’s medical record. The use of advanced equipment will also lead to quicker test results and thus saving more lives (Pulchalski, 2001).

Reference

Christina M. Puchalski. (2001).The role of spirituality in health care. Retrieved on 6th Feb, 2016 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1305900/

David Nash (2009).The Role of Spirituality in Healthcare. Retrieved on 6th February 2016 from http://www.medpagetoday.com/Columns/FocusonPolicy/14725