This case focuses on a Hasidic Judaism patient with cystic fibrosis and her fami
ID: 3525657 • Letter: T
Question
This case focuses on a Hasidic Judaism patient with cystic fibrosis and her family. Hasidic Judaism sometimes referred to as Hasidic, refers to members of a Jewish religious movement founded in the 18th century in eastern Europe that maintains that God’s presence is in all of one’s surroundings and that one should serve God in one’s every deed and word. As you read through this study, pay particular attention to the multiple cultural and religious factors that influence this child’s medical management. Judy Cohen is 6 years old. Much of her life in the Hasidic Jewish community revolves around the neighborhood synagogue, her extended family, and their Hasidic Jewish community. She lives with her parents and four siblings in a house packed closely against her grandparents’ house next door. The Cohen house is awash in the smells of Mrs. Cohen’s cooking, the sounds of Yiddish prayer and conversation, and the laughter of children. The Cohens speak English fluently, but they prefer to speak their native language. They speak English only when necessary. Judy’s mother stays home to care for Judy and her four siblings, ages 3, 7, 9, and 10 years. Judy’s father, Mr. Cohen, works for a family business. When the father is not working, he is usually praying, socializing, and consulting with the rabbi at the synagogue. When she was 12 months old, Judy was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), which is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. At the time, the medical team that specialized in CF recommended that her siblings have sweat tests, which is the test used for diagnosing cystic fibrosis. Judy’s parents declined because they believed that their children’s health was in God’s hands. Judy’s condition was stable then, and she and her mother attended regularly scheduled appointments with the CF team. Judy’s father, although he was concerned, did not usually come to Judy’s appointments. When Judy was 18 months old, she went to the clinic with an increased cough and weight loss. The team recommended that she be hospitalized. Judy’s parents initially declined but agreed a week later after her cough had worsened. At age 4 years, Judy again went into the hospital for pneumonia. Mr. and Mrs. Cohen reluctantly agreed to the hospital admission. When Judy appeared to be responding to the intravenous antibiotics, her parents convinced the medical team to allow Judy to complete her regimen of antibiotics at home. When she was home, the family did have their daughter complete the course of antibiotics that was recommended, but they refused visiting nurse services because they did not want the neighbors to know about Judy’s illness. When Mrs. Cohen became pregnant with her fifth child, the medical team strongly suggested that she go for genetic counseling and possibly testing. After discussing the issue with their rabbi, Mr. and Mrs. Cohen decided not to have genetic testing. Again, they believed that “whatever will be, will be” and that the unborn child’s health was in God’s hands. Today, Judy went to the clinic for a routine follow-up appointment. This is her first visit since beginning school. Her respiratory status is good, but she is having more frequent stools. After being questioned, Mr. and Mrs. Cohen admit that they do not want the school to give Judy the required enzymes, which are recommended so that she can digest her food. They have not told anyone at the school that Judy has CF. THIS IS REQUIRE 500 WORDS FOR THE ANSWERS ALL TOGETHER. :) There are several issues to consider about this case: What are the various ways in which religious beliefs can affect the understanding of illness? How did the Cohens’ Hasidic belief system affect Judy’s treatment? What are some of the main tenets of Hasidic Judaism? Do you believe that the Cohens should have been required to have genetic testing done? Do you think the Cohens mishandled Judy’s illness? Source: Cross Cultural Health Care (2003).
Explanation / Answer
As it can be observed from judy's case the relegion beliefs play a significant role in healthcare of the individual.The medical professionals can conflict with faith of people in terms of set of values and procedures which in turn can effect the quality of care of the patient. Patients have differnt beleif system about the causes and ways of treatment of illness on the other hand healthcare proffesionals have been trained during their education and medical practice to look at things from the mindset of a scientist.so in such cases there is differnce in opinions which hinders the treatment process.An individual seeking healthcare can have faith based worries regarding their modesty such as treatment from someone of opposite se,some relegious faiths require daily prayers which can impact the scheduling of treatments.Diets are also a large influence on many cultures and relegions which can again lead to problem in the treatment.Healthcare proffesionals need to be empathetic,mindful and respectful of a patients cultural or spiritual needs which in turns calms and comforts the patients during the treatment.
The cohens's Hasidic belief system affected judy treatment in following ways:
Following are the tenets of hasidic judaism;
Yes i believe cohens should have done genetic testing before because the results of genetic testing would have confirmed the suspected genetic condition of Judy. She would then not have to live with such life threatning disease which may or maynot be curable and be under antibiotics or enzymes lifelong. She would not suffer all her life because of the disease. Cohens should have kept aside their relegious beliefs and thought about their daughter and her future.
Yes cohens mishandled judy's illness.As a concerned father he should not have denied the sweat tests of his other children after knowing about judy's disease. He even did not attend the appointments with judy and his wife which shows he did not care much about the illness. All that mattered to him was his community, his relegion. He was not ready for any kind of change in his lifestyle.He left everything on his religion and god for the treatment and did not take initial steps for curing the disease.