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buddhists: summary

In a hurry? Here is a list of the top tips for making Buddhist patients and staff feel cared for according to their cultural needs.

patients

  • Offer Buddhist patients vegetarian food.
  • If possible, offer medicines that do not contain alcohol or animal products.
  • Buddhist patients might need peace and quiet to meditate, so offer them some privacy.
  • If applicable, ask a Buddhist patient for their birth name and ordained Buddhist name when taking medical notes from them.
  • If a Buddhist patient is ordained, ask them whether they prefer to be called by their birth name or Buddhist name.
  • Buddhist patients may choose meditation over medication as pain relief.
  • A dying Buddhist patient may need some privacy for meditation and chanting – possibly with their family and friends.
  • After death, do not touch or move the body of a Buddhist patient. See the section on 'death and the dead'.
  • Take the contact details of someone in the Buddhist community if assistance is needed.

healthcare staff

  • As with Buddhist patients, make sure vegetarian food is available.
  • Provide privacy for meditation.
  • Buddhist staff may not be comfortable being involved in the termination of pregnancy.
  • Buddhist staff may not be comfortable treating conditions related to alcoholism or drug abuse.
  • Be aware that some Buddhist staff may choose to spend festival days with their Sangha.

 

want to contribute?

So that we can ensure this resource is as relevant as possible, please advise us of additional information about aspects of healthcare and ethnic communities, or experience as a member of staff from an ethnic group. You can send us comments and information via our feedback form.