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What Can You Do When Families Expect Miracles?

Posted by Frances Shani Parker on August 2, 2009 at 2:12am
What can healthcare workers do when families expect miraculous recoveries of dying patients after all earthly procedures have failed. Respect for the spirituality and religions of others is important during healthcare treatment. Knowing how to walk that fine line of balance can weigh heavily on the quality of death journeys. Research by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, USA has provided a practical approach to this concern that allows families' beliefs in miracle healings to coexist with practices of good medicine. The following strategies applied to meet the unique needs of families are involved: 1) Exploring the meaning and significance of miracles 2) Providing balanced, nonargumentative responses to families' expectations of miracles 3) Negotiating patient-centered compromises while demonstrating respect for families' spirituality and doing what is medically appropriate. Using these strategies can provide a means for healthcare workers to maintain good relationships with families expecting miracles while medical practices are implemented. Patients are always the first priority. Frances Shani Parker "Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog" http://hospiceandnursinghomes.blogspot.com/

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  • brittany bennett October 14, 2010 at 3:40am
    I believe in miracles ,but there is a time and place for everything. Unfortunately we must all die someday and it is scary to think about. I wished the familes would see this sometimes.
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