Religion and its impact on ethical decision making in Multicultural contexts in Healthcare

Jehovah's witnesses believe that the bible has prohibited ingesting blood and have concluded and applied the same ruling on accepting blood transfusions, donating blood or storing it for transfusion. It is considered as a non-negotiable religious stand and it is believed that those who accept and appreciate life as a gift from god should not sustain it by doing something that would condemn it, such as accepting blood. Often, the doctor's ability to help a patient is limited by their beliefs, which are to be respected. Healthcare professionals can only advise their patients of the benefits of receiving the appropriate treatment whilst explaining the risks and complications that are associated with refusing it; as the decision to proceed with or against medical advice is ultimately the patient’s choice. Providing the patient with an atmosphere of acceptance away from conservative parties that could influence their judgement negatively may allow them to make free decisions, allowing them to seek their best interest. However, shall they deny treatment and accept the consequences, it is the doctor’s duty to sympathise with and comfort them alongside doing their best to assist them and try to find ways around the presented obstacle, such as finding alternatives that would have the same desired effect as a blood transfusion. For example, alternatives such as cell-saver techniques, where the patient’s own blood is reutilized during a procedure may be considered [1]. For some patients, fractions of plasma such as albumin, cryoprecipitate may be accepted by the patient [1].

In today’s healthcare, treatment has become more effective in its nature due to the growing knowledge of medicine. Improved medication results in reduced side effects...

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...rime minister of Ireland, Enda Kenny, compares the past and the present in regards to these Catholic hospitals. During his childhood, he states that almost everything, hospitals and schools, were funded by the church thereby giving them control of the facilities [11]. Nowadays the government itself funds the hospitals costing citizens a lot of money to maintain, and in our opinion, the trend should be halted. The growing multiculturalism, in which we embody as students, should render Catholic Ireland to simply Ireland. Our experiences in the project were solely educational. We have developed a good sense of the flaws in Ireland’s healthcare, and various ways in which they can be diminished. Faith, religion, and culture play a huge role in healthcare. Ethical issues must be put into perspective and dealt with accordingly for an overall improvement in the near future.