Top Ten Things Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Caring for Hindus

Patel, Rushil; Patel, Viraj R; Patel, D. M.; Kamal, Arif H.; Nelson, Judith E.

doi:10.1089/jpm.2020.0146

Cited by 5 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…8 Lack of understanding of Hindu beliefs and practices hinders HCPs' ability to deliver culturally sensitive care while discussing ACP and EOL care for adult patients. 3,[8][9][10] The South Asian country of India is the second most populous country in the world, with 80% of the population following Hinduism. 11 Other major religions in India are Islam (13%), Christianity (2.3%), Sikhism (1.9%), Buddhism (0.8%), and Jainism (0.4%).…”

Section: Indian Culturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…For Hindus, vegetarianism is related to the religious doctrine of ahimsa, not harming any living being, as all life is sacred. 8,15,18 In addition, certain animals (eg, cows) are considered divine and are sacred in Hindu belief. Slaughtering sacred animals for food is considered immoral and a deviation from religious dictates.…”

Section: Indian Culturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…After-death Hindu rituals for the deceased's family may include puja (prayer rituals), ritual bathing, dressing, and viewing of the deceased. 8,9,15 If a patient has not died at home, nurses should advocate so that the family can complete these religious rituals in the health care institution depending on the family's wishes. Families almost always want to cremate the body to enable the complete release of the soul from this earthly life to continue its reincarnation journey or moksha.…”

Section: Indian Hindu Spirituality and Religionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For many Westerners, the practice of yoga, Ayurveda, and vegetarianism is used by people striving to live healthfully 8 . The terms om and karma are popular and often used in common parlance.…”

Section: Aiah Approaches To Eol Care: Historical Cultural and Empiric...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The terms om and karma are popular and often used in common parlance. However, what might be unknown to many is how for Hindus, these practices reflect their millennia-old spirituality and religiosity 8 . Lack of understanding of Hindu beliefs and practices hinders HCPs' ability to deliver culturally sensitive care while discussing ACP and EOL care for adult patients 3,8-10 …”

Section: Aiah Approaches To Eol Care: Historical Cultural and Empiric...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Beyond Turmeric and Yoga

John

Taylor

2022

J Hosp Palliat Nurs

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Hinduism is the fourth largest religion in the United States; an understanding of Hindu beliefs and practices will help health care providers deliver culturally sensitive care while discussing advance care planning and end-of-life care for adult patients. For many Westerners, the practice of yoga, Ayurveda, and vegetarianism is used by people striving to live healthfully. However, what might be unfamiliar to Westerners is how for Hindus, these practices reflect their millennia-old spirituality and religiosity. Knowing the Hindu beliefs of atman, Brahman, karma, and moksha will help nurses connect to Hindus' various end-of-life wishes. In addition, getting familiar with interrelating factors such as lack of knowledge on palliative care and advance care planning, family dynamics, acculturation, and personal preferences will allow nurses to provide culturally competent care. By facilitating end-of-life conversations at an early stage, nurses can promote confidence and self-efficacy for patients who may fear that their religiosity and personal priorities are trivialized by acculturated family members or disregarded by their adopted homeland. This clinical article provides nurses with information about Asian Indian American Hindus' beliefs and practices, clinical implications for assessment, and suggestions to support patients' and families' end-of-life wishes.

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