Patient Empowerment in Chronic Illness

2673 Words6 Pages

Introduction

The central theme in this review will cover empowerment and spirituality for chronically ill individuals in the aging population with an emphasis on gender and differing cultural backgrounds. I attempt to show how the literature on this subject has advanced to the point where crucial factors of cultural background, spirituality and belief systems affect how the chronically ill improve health and wellbeing through being empowered by their spiritual and cultural background.

Body

In the available literature, (Johnson, Elbert-Avila, Tulsky, 2005) shows how the influence of spiritual beliefs and practices affect the specific culture of Africans Americans in a positive, healthy beneficial way for the chronically ill aged. In the study it was shown that AAs request specific life sustaining therapies at the end of life much more than Caucasians. Spirituality seems to serve as one of the main sources of meaning and purpose and is also used a as a framework for people to interpret their life experiences.

An elder Native American women’s perspective is expressed in an academic paper (Levi, 1998). In the indigenous religious experience Mother Earth and Father Sky are utilized for guidance and healing along with the Sundance and Ghost Dance and others. The Shaman or Medicine Man uses herbs and techniques and also contacts the spirit world for assistance in healing. The Native American woman elder is connected with nature and the natural healing power of herbal medicines and healing energies. It also involves the aspect of Native American spirituality and healing of the chronically ill by restoring their cultural self identity and participating with the community in soul and physical healing practices and to also with th...

... middle of paper ...

...uence of spiritual beliefs and practices on the treatment preferences of African Americans. Ethnogeriatrics and Special Populations, 53(4), 23-34.

Leetong, A. (2010, Jan). The model of quality of life improvement for chronic patients in community by using social support. Journal of Social Sciences, 6(1), 29-33.

Levi, J. (1998, Mar). The embodiment of a working identity: Power and process in Ramamuri ritual healing. American Indian Culture and Research Journal, 23(3), 13-46.

Metcalfe, J. (2005, July). Management of patients with long term conditions. Nursing Standard, 19(45), 53-61.

Wells, M. (2010, Oct) Resilience in older adults living in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Online Journal of Rural Nursing & Healthcare, 10(2), 45-53.

Zola, I. K. (1989, Oct-Dec) Aging and disability: toward a unified agenda. Journal of Rehabilitation 55(4), 6-9.

Open Document