There are various factors that influence the delivery of healthcare services and the general healing process. These factors are subject to religion, culture, ethnic customs, and beliefs. In a broad spectrum, most decisions regarding to healthy decisions and healing in the event one conducts an illness are determined by the beliefs that emanate from one or a combination of the above listed factors ( VanderWeele, 2017 ). It is worth acknowledging that people make decisions on how they take care of their health and how they chip in and adhere to the medical advices given to them by healthcare professionals ( VanderWeele, 2017) . In the course of my practice, I have encountered several instances where individual belief systems have affected how specific groups relate with modern healthcare perspectives.
A perfect example is the belief system of the American Muslims. Among the people in this group of people within the contemporary American society, religious beliefs associated with Islam shape their attitudes towards healthcare. For instance, the group’s perception about the role of God in the process of healing and recovery acts as the primary influence upon the healing beliefs of the American Muslims. Another example is the Muslim culture which advocates for a specific way of living especially during the Holy month of Ramadan whereby the holy fasting may affect the healing process of patients. In the both ways of living for American Muslims, it is evident that the role of God whereby He is assigned the responsibility for health, healing and recovery may contradict the proceeds of modern healthcare services.
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As I worked towards providing care services to one of my clients from the American Muslims group during the month of Ramadan, I realized that he was not willing to avoid the fasting endeavor because the treatment process required adequate consumption of food and drinks as well as strict adherence to medications. The patient believed that God has the power to heal and if he dedicates his life to God through fasting during Ramadan, he was assured of healing.
Despite the challenge that I faced in addressing the issue, I managed to convince him of the importance of adhering to the treatment process as it was key factor towards his survival. I used the knowledge I have about caring for people from diverse backgrounds to create awareness and educate him about the significance of modern medicine. In the entire process, I ensured that I respected the principle of autonomy and the final decision was based on his resolutions. He finally accepted to take the recommended treatment process.
Reference
VanderWeele, T. J. (2017). Religion and health: a synthesis. Spirituality and religion within the culture of medicine: From evidence to practice , 357-402.
