12.07.2015 Views

The Clinical Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for HIV/AIDS

The Clinical Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for HIV/AIDS

The Clinical Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for HIV/AIDS

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A <strong>Clinical</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Supportive</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Palliative</strong> <strong>Care</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong> • Chapter 14: Culture <strong>and</strong> <strong>Care</strong>Because religion <strong>and</strong> spirituality play such important roles in the African American community,the involvement <strong>and</strong> education of the clergy <strong>and</strong> local church community cannot be overemphasized.This education should include prevention, intervention <strong>and</strong> life enhancement in <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong>. It26shouldpicasalso include a thorough underst<strong>and</strong>ing of palliative care <strong>and</strong> the role of hospice.Thus empowered, the church will be able <strong>to</strong> deal with controversial issues associated with <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong>, such as drug abuse, sexual promiscuity <strong>and</strong> homosexuality, as well as help African Americansovercome the perception that palliative care treatment modalities are an ab<strong>and</strong>onment ofcare. 56 <strong>The</strong> church can provide not only spiritual support, but also, practical social supportthrough its various lay organizations.Finally, whenever possible, recognition should be made of the role African American familymembers play in the treatment, care, <strong>and</strong> support of patients living with <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong>. It is in thefamily <strong>and</strong> the core values that bind it <strong>to</strong>gether that African American patients will find thestrength <strong>and</strong> support they need <strong>to</strong> face end-of-life issues.CONCLUSION■ While health care providers treating persons with <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong> cannot become familiar withevery cultural issue related <strong>to</strong> medicine, they can become more sensitive <strong>to</strong> the role that cultureplays in how people access <strong>and</strong> experience palliative care services. Recognizing the role of culture<strong>and</strong> being familiar with the core values of a cultural group will not only aid in eliminatingbarriers <strong>to</strong> treatment, but also optimize patient care, particularly end-of-life care.XIVU.S. Department of Health <strong>and</strong> Human Services • Health Resources <strong>and</strong> Services Administration • <strong>HIV</strong>/<strong>AIDS</strong> Bureau 311

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