Religions, Culture and Healthcare

Health professionals provide care to patients of differing religions and cultures and knowledge of their cultural and religious background way of life and beliefs and practices is vital to delivering sensitive and responsive care. This revised and updated guide provides practical and comprehensive information on each of the major faiths providing an accessible reference for appropriate day to day care of patients in multicultural societies. Healthcare professionals including doctors nurses midwives healthcare assistants physiotherapists psychologists hospital chaplains and administrative staff will find it an indispensable ready reference. 'A much-welcomed guide on an issue which is at the heart of so many of us - our faith our individual cultural identity and our religious and spiritual needs.' Surinder Sharma in his Foreword From reviews of the First Edition: 'Provides a summary of information about various religions and other faith groups and covers the requirements of each in relation to elements of care such as religious obligations diet attitudes to illness death and dying and post-mortem considerations.' NURSING AND THERAPIES NEWS 'There is a need for a book such as this which details the basics of religious belief and practice for the great majority of patients.' HEALTHCARE COUNSELLING AND PSYCOTHERAPY JOURNAL 'The real strength of the book is the feel-on-the-ground descriptions of the many practical aspects that should form the starting point for caring for patients. A clear and useful reference.' DIETETICS TODAY 'A stimulating and informative book that staff in health and social care will find useful.' NURSING STANDARD