Holism

Paper Summary:

This paper explains how nurses can learn about the concept of holism from many indigenous cultures including the natives of Hawaii and Native Americans, who view individuals as more than the sums of their parts. It discusses how such a view will enhance all patient care and prepare the nurse to work with patients of many cultural backgrounds. At the same time, medical practitioners must be realistic about what new science tells us about old remedies.

From the Paper:

"Indigenous cultures within the United States, including native Hawaiians and Native Americans, feel they have an affinity with nature (Broad, 2002) or are even a physical part of the larger world (Lowe, 2002). For them, the concept of holism extends even beyond their own bodies and minds. Recognizing that one's world view will affect whether and how a person seeks medical care, the state of Hawaii has worked to set up community health services that reflects respect for cultural beliefs (Broad, 2002). The Native Hawaiian Health Care Act, passed in 1988, encouraged the resurgence of traditional practices."

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