Healthcare challenges and potential discrimination faced by a specific religious minority group

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Focus: Choose one of these options:

Religious Minority: Explore the healthcare challenges and potential discrimination faced by a specific religious minority group in the US (e.g., Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, indigenous communities).
Atheists/Agnostics: Investigate the experiences of atheists or non-religious individuals within the healthcare system, including potential for microaggressions or bias.
Structure:

Research: (1 page) Briefly discuss your chosen group/perspective and their unique healthcare needs. Cite 2-3 academic sources or news articles.
Case Study: (1/2 page) Present a real-world example of religious oppression or conflict related to your topic (maintain patient confidentiality and respect).
Solutions: (1/2 page) Propose 3 concrete strategies for providing culturally competent care or addressing bias in healthcare settings.
Personal Reflection: (1/2 page) Reflect on your own knowledge and potential biases regarding diverse religious views. How can you personally contribute to inclusivity?

Sample Solution

Religious Minority Focus: Jehovah’s Witnesses

Research

Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) have specific religious beliefs that can influence their healthcare decisions. One core tenet is the refusal of blood transfusions due to their interpretation of scripture (Acts 15:28-29). This can create challenges in emergency situations or during elective procedures. Additionally, some JWs might hesitate to accept certain medical treatments due to concerns about using blood fractions or specific components.

Here are some sources for further information:

Case Study

A 45-year-old male JW is admitted to the emergency room after a car accident with significant internal bleeding. He is alert but expresses his firm refusal of a blood transfusion based on his religious beliefs. The medical team faces an ethical dilemma: respect his wishes or administer a life-saving transfusion.

Solutions

  1. Increase Culturally Competent Care: Healthcare providers should receive training to better understand JW beliefs and practices related to healthcare. This can foster open communication and shared decision-making.
  2. Develop Bloodless Medicine Protocols: Hospitals can establish protocols and build relationships with bloodless medicine centers to facilitate alternative treatment options for JW patients that align with their religious beliefs.
  3. Respect Patient Autonomy with Advance Directives: Encouraging patients to discuss their religious beliefs and preferences regarding blood transfusions beforehand through advance directives allows for informed decisions and respects patient autonomy.

Personal Reflection

Prior to this research, I may not have fully appreciated the complexity of healthcare decisions for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their religious beliefs are deeply held, and understanding these beliefs is crucial for providing compassionate and culturally competent care. Personally, I can contribute to inclusivity by actively listening to patients’ religious concerns and working collaboratively with them to find solutions that respect both their religious beliefs and medical needs.

 

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