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Collaborative Healthcare: Interprofessional Practice, Education and Evaluation (JCIPE)

Abstract

Healthcare providers may not be prepared to incorporate cultural and spiritual aspects of patient care within their practice. The cultural and spiritual toolbox project will increase the opportunity for those working in a local three campus hospital system to deliver patient-centered care at the bedside by helping them recognize the nuances of various cultures and religions. An interprofessional team convened over a one year period to explore how these aspects of care could be met.

To this end, the team researched and developed a “Cultural and Spiritual Toolbox” which offers information in an online format. This project will be fully implemented in late 2015. It was designed and approved for use in a large non-religious affiliated hospital system with three campuses. The software program provides healthcare workers with a diverse cultural and spiritual reference to assist patient-centered bedside care. Faculty and students from Rutgers and the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine collaboratively developed a comprehensive guide which addresses religions, cultures and practical strategies for healthcare providers.

This computer-based system was accepted by the ethics board on December 5, 2014. The toolbox modules were designed by an interprofessional team and reviewed by religious experts and ordained religious leaders from various faiths. It will be implemented once the computerized integration is completed. The program will be available to patients, families, caregivers, physicians, and staff members who seek assistance.

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