Page 16 - NAMAH-Oct-2017

Namah Vol. 25, Issue 3, 15th October 2017

care, both for the dying patient and his/her been given to the latter. It is held that while
family (10). The processes evolved by us may the physical body has a limited span of life, the
have long-term implications when it comes underlying principle of life — the atman or
to reducing stressful outcomes among the supreme spirit — is eternal and, therefore, is
staff. Practices such as those which form a not subjected to the same laws which govern
part of Code Krishna help the members of the perishable physiological body. End-of-
the treating team to overcome their own life rituals, such as creating a peaceful and
suppressed grief, reflect on the meaning of solemn environment around the deceased
life, improve the quality of the care provided person, chanting prayers, putting tulsi leaves
by them and show greater compassion. and water from the Ganges into the mouth
Further, they prevent desensitisation to of the dead person, are considered important
events related to death. Additionally, they for the soul’s purity and peaceful transition
play a part in assuring the relatives that the from this life (14). Christians believe that
institution is committed to humane care death is the beginning of an everlasting life
based on religious or spiritual beliefs. The with God. Among Christians, the care of the
benefits of practices of grief management dying involves prayer and anointment of
have been documented for both the treating the body with holy oils. The dying person
team and the bereaved family (11). confesses his/her sins in the presence of a
priest to obtain forgiveness and receives
Our innovative practice is also aimed at holy water (15). In Islam, it is considered that
enhancing the spiritual tenor, which is of submission to suffering is submission to God.
the utmost relevance in situations in which Great importance is given to participation
medical treatment has come to an end. Various in prayers and rituals in the final moments
religious, cultural and spiritual belief systems of life (16).
have different views on the event of death,
the process of dying and phenomena beyond We named our model Code Krishna for two
death. The humanists, including atheists and reasons. First, conventionally, terms such
agnostics, believe that death is the end (12). as “Code Blue” and “Code Red” convey
However, a majority of people seek succour that a duty should be performed urgently,
in religion when they lose their near and responsibly and assiduously. While “Code
dear ones since it is a common human Blue” refers to resuscitating a patient and “Code
tendency to look to non-biological, existential Red” indicates urgency in case of fire, “Code
considerations to derive solace and relief Krishna” is a call to fulfil one’s obligation to
from the suffering inflicted by the event of deal with the death of a patient in a humane
death (13). Religion has a strong influence way. Second, the name of our hospital is Shree
on grieving and death rituals. Krishna Hospital. We introduced Code Krishna
as a signature practice of our institution,
Hindus believe that while death is the end of reflective of its commitment to offer truly
this life, it is also the beginning of a new cycle. humane and integrative care to patients/
According to Hindu beliefs, the concept of life their families in end-of-life situations by
extends beyond the two polarities of physical incorporating a spiritual component into the
birth and death, and much consideration has existing conventional healthcare practices.

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