Cultural Competency - Multicultural Health Generalizations: Sikh
Sikh Perspectives on Health Care
- The sanctity of life is an injunction, therefore:
- Assisted suicide and euthanasia are not encouraged.
- Therapeutic genetic engineering is accepted.
- Organ transplants and blood transfusions are accepted. Furthermore, the Sikh youth are encouraged to become donors.
- When possible, consult the patient and family before procedures requiring the removal of hair.
- Advanced directives are individual choices.
- Maintaining a terminal patient on artificial life support for a prolonged period in a vegetative state is not encouraged. Most Sikhs will probably specify a period of time during which they would prefer to be kept on life support.
- When timely, have relatives and granthi (a spiritual leader) nearby to recite Shabad Kirtan (sacred music) at end-of-life.
- When possible, avoid interrupting prayer or meditation when patient care can be delayed.
- When feasible, allow the family and granthi to follow traditions to prepare the body for cremation.
- The body should be cremated expediently, unless the family is waiting for other relatives to arrive.
- There are no contraindication to autopsies.
Sources: Bhatia, J.M. (2004). "Sikh Perspectives on Healthcare." Multicultural Health Series, UMHS, PMCH, Cultural Competency Division.
Andrews, J.D. (2005). “Sikhs.” Cultural, Ethnic, and Religious Reference Manual for Health Care Providers. (3rd edition). JAMARDA Resources, Inc. Winston-Salem, NC.
Sikh Patient’s Protocols for Health Care Providers. http://www.sikhwomen.com/health/care/protocol.htm#Practices (accessed 1/05)
