Are miracles real
or just wishful thinking when a good health prognosis is wanted? Healthcare
worker have to be sensitive to patients' spirituality and religious beliefs regarding
death journeys. As a hospice volunteer, I noticed that many patients
held strong beliefs about miracles that were important to them when making
decisions about their health care. What about you? Do you believe in miracles?
If so, you have lots of company.
Progression of
cancer is an important example of a healthcare situation that requires patients
to make decisions about their treatment. How does belief in miracles impact
patients’ decisions? A study of 158 patients with advanced cancer, whom
oncologists expected to die within 6 months, were assessed before and after
the visit at which scan results were discussed. Before the visit, religious
belief in miracles was also assessed.
Approximately 78% of the
participants reported at least some belief in miracles, with almost half
endorsing the strongest possible belief. Religious beliefs in miracles were highly prevalent and diminished the impact of receiving negative news of cancer progression. Assessing patients' beliefs
in miracles may help to optimize the effectiveness of news received during discussions about scan results.
Kevin Swinks is a Maryland man hailed as a COVID-19 "miracle" survivor. He spent 30 days in the ICU and was on a ventilator three times while at MedStar Franklin Square where he almost died. With the help of his care team after 31 days, Kevin finally was well enough to go home and share his miraculous story. He says, "Life is sweet," and healthcare workers who took care of him say his story inspires them as they care for others.
Frances Shani Parker,
Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
It's amazing how those that have faith in miracles have an overall more positive response to the news that they have a terminal illness! Here at hospice Colorado Springs I'm always encouraging our team to put themselves in the shoes of the patients or their loved ones. I instantly see improvement in patient interaction and a desire to provide better care. I appreciate your post and will share it with our team.
ReplyDeleteFrances Shani Parker, December 10, 2020
DeleteThank you for sharing information about those who have faith in miracles.