Case Study: Spiritual care

Mohammed, an Asian Muslim patient on an acute psychiatric ward learns that the chaplain comes round on a Sunday evening. He tells you, a new staff nurse, that he would like to receive communion. He says a couple of Christian service users/patients have really helped him while on the ward and wants to find out more about their faith. The patients have a warm relationship with each other and the Christians have undertaken to pray five times a day at the same times as Mohammed.

Mohammed is a 19-year-old student with a schizoaffective diagnosis. He appears to have capacity. This is his second admission and is coming towards the end of a Section 2 (up to 28 days). His family present as traditional Muslims and Mohammed has asked you not to say anything to them about this.

Prior to receiving communion, Mohammed goes into the prayer room and washes his feet. He then receives communion and a few days later asks if he could have a standard (non-halal) menu.

He remains another two weeks informally and is then discharged. A week later, Mohammed’s parents call round, clearly concerned about what they see as a failure to care. They are polite and friendly but express reluctance to use psychiatric services in future. He is concerned that the Christians are continuing to meet up regularly with Mohammed and going to the pub a couple of times a week.

• Reflect on how do you react emotionally to this situation (recognising the impact of your own religion or belief or non-belief)?
• What strike you as the positives?
• What are the challenges?
• What action might you consider if any and who might you involve?
• How do situations like this fit in with or cause you to reflect on what it means to be a nurse?

Note: Reflect on how you might approach these situations. If you’re not sure, discuss with your tutor or placement mentor