Navigating Cultural & Religious Beliefs in Nutrition Support
Navigating Cultural & Religious Beliefs in Nutrition Support By Baylee Rogee and Bridget Storm, MA, RD, LDN, CNSC Importance of Understanding Cultural & Religion in Critical Care Within critical care there is a diverse group of patients that all stem from different backgrounds. When providing individualized care to a patient, cultural and religious beliefs should be addressed in their medical nutrition therapy assessment and care plan. Everyone has different beliefs and values that drive their life and when it comes to medical care it is important to incorporate those beliefs. Patients may feel disrespected, have a sense of mistrust, or feel as if the provider brought bad luck upon the family if their providers don’t honor their beliefs. Nutrition is not only what provides energy for the body; it has emotional ties as well. Food is a huge part of culture by bringing families together. In some cultures, it is a way to show love and care for someone as well as promo...
