Religious Diversity: Practical Points for Health Care Providers

Primary Author: John Ehman, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania & Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Printable tipsheet for health care providers to use when caring for patients from a number of different religious traditions. These are not comprehensive descriptions but rather practical items that may affect a patient, family, and care team during a hospitalization. Includes points for Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Jehovah's Witness, Jewish, Muslim, and Pentecostal patients.

This is also available as a tri-fold brochure. Contact the author, Chaplain John Ehman at the Department of Pastoral Care in the University of Pennsylvania Health System: john.ehman@uphs.upenn.edu

Spiritual Assessment in Clinical Practice

Primary Author: Christina M Puchalski, George Washington University Medical Center

Spiritual Care in Nursing Practice

Primary Author: Kristen L. Mauk, Valparaiso University

From the back cover of this textbook:

"Focusing on spirituality as an inherent component of effective nursing care, this text presents an unbiased view of the nature of human spirituality apart from religion. The text offers a unique interdisciplinary and inter-religious perspective--representing a range of Eastern and Western religious traditions--while addressing lifespan considerations and belief systems within the nursing process framework. Readable, interactive chapters apply the content clinically and highlight timely research on spirituality and health. Each chapter includes case studies, critical thinking questions, and personal reflection questions. Website references are also included."

Includes chapters on:

- Spiritual development
- Influences of religion and culture on nursing
- Spiritual Assessment
- Collaboration
- Nursing research
- The nurse's spiritual health

Spirituality, Religious Wisdom and the Care of the Patient

Primary Author: The Bioethics Institute of New York Medical College

Video from a 2004 interfaith conference that seeks to educate health care professionals about how different religious traditions view medicine and illness, and help them evaluate their own responses to the demands of caring for seriously ill patients.

A Time for Listening and Caring Spirituality and the Care of the Chronically Ill and Dying

Primary Author: Christina M. Puchalski, GWish: The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health

A thoughtful, informative, and practical guide for anyone involved in caring for the seriously and chronically ill or dying. This book covers how spiritual care can be integrated into traditional caregiving. Part one discusses aspects of spirituality, such as presence, ethics, and relationships. Part two delves into a number of specific religious and theological traditions. Part three offers practical applications and tools, including storytelling, psychotherapy, dance, music, and the arts. Part four focuses on patients' stories and reflections.