SCCM Resource Library-Religion, Ritual, and Death in the ICU

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the concepts of religion, ritual, and death in the context of an ICU setting. They discuss the origins and complexities of the word religion, highlighting its connection to attitudes, beliefs, practices, and cultural expectations that relate us to something greater and more important than the physical world. The speaker then delves into the meaning of ritual, emphasizing that it is a social act that goes beyond physicality and points towards ultimacy. They also touch on the significance of death and the challenges in defining it, such as the failure of homeostasis and irreversibility. The speaker reflects on the role of clinicians and researchers in the ICU when faced with death, addressing concerns about the fact, timing, and manner of death. They discuss the importance of aiding the process of bereavement and avoiding abandonment. The video concludes with a discussion on the role of rituals in honoring and celebrating the life of the deceased, and the limited evidence on interventions to support bereavement. The speaker emphasizes the need for humility, open-mindedness, and introspection when dealing with matters of religion, ritual, and death in healthcare settings.

Asset Subtitle

Patient and Family Support, 2023

Asset Caption

Type: two-hour concurrent | Dealing With Death in the ICU (SessionID 1201846)

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Knowledge Area Patient and Family Support

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Tag Ethics and End of Life

Year 2023

Keywords

religion

ritual

death

ICU setting

bereavement

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