Medical Treatment and Cultural/Religious Healing

A twenty-month old Puerto-Rican boy is brought to the clinic by his mother who believes he has a folk gastrointestinal illness, called empacho. His mother has been out of work with a back injury and lacks support, and the child has no signs of pathological illness.

• What discussion does this case need and why? Who needs to be involved in that discussion?
• What is the importance of diversity and the value of cultural/religious healing in this case?
• When that information is obtained, what will you do with it?
• Will it affect the care you give this patient? How?
• What part does the mother’s situation play in your treatment decision?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)