The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42373

Reuven G. Becker, MBA, MS, DD, LOY Center for Healthy Living, P.O. Box 670675, Flushing, NY 11367-0675, 718.575.9221, LOYcenter@aol.com and Lowell S. Kronick, Chaplain(Rabbi), United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Associate Director, National Chaplain Center, 301/110C-Building 33, Hampton, VA 23667.

Cultural beliefs and practices impact on patient compliance, satisfaction, and outcomes of care. Flexibilty and empathy for the suffering and feelings of patients and their families, the hallmark of hospice philosophy, are applicable to all denomination groups. Representative elements of a hospice program that would meet the needs of the Orthodox Jewish family include:

The Halachic Living Will (Advance Directive), Opportunity for Viduy (Confession), Special Treatment of the Patient in the Dying Process, Input of a Rabbinic Authority (Posek) in Guiding Treatment Decisions, Jewish Pastoral Care – Family Spiritual Adviser, Not informing the Patient of the Diagnosis if Consistent With Patient/Family Religious Philosophy, Understanding Basic Religious Practices, which include:

Dietary Law, Prayer Rituals, Modesty, Sabbath and Holiday Observance, Death and Mourning Traditions.

In the context of Jewish emphasis on supporting life and alleviating suffering, additional components such as tube feedings for patients with dysphagia, IV hydration, antibiotics to treat intercurrent infections, blood transfusions, and not consenting to DNR, are also important to the Orthodox observant Jew.

A workplan for successful implementation will be presented including documentation, review of policies and procedures, job descriptions, as well as community mobilization strategies.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify essential components of hospice programming for orthodox jewish community.
• Describe refinements required as compared to traditional hospice care.
• Present strategies and action steps for effective implementation of program.
• Sensitize professionals to the cultural needs of orthodox jewish population as it relates to care delivery.

Keywords: Cultural Competency, End-of-Life Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.