Spirituality And Medicine: Should Patients Be Allowed to Exhibit Their Religious and Spiritual Beliefs While Receiving Medical Care?

Abstract

Background: Religion is a collective worship while spirituality is an individual practice of religious beliefs. There are various religious and spiritual perception to disease, ill-health and caring for the sick.
Case Summary: This is a case of a 27 year old Nigerian motor mechanic who presented with hypovolaemic shock due to chronic diarrhoea. Access to intravenous cannulation for resuscitation was difficult and patient and his caregivers suggested that money be used to torch the intravenous cannula for intravenous access to be successful. The patient was not allowed to torch the intravenous cannula with money. Intravenous access was successful after two more attempts as the patient was in shock at presentation.
Conclusion: Patent education is necessary at all times as various beliefs may be attached to the illnesses. Though patients may have psychological satisfaction if allowed to practice their religious beliefs while receiving medical care, it may cause conflict.