Dr. Maryam Guiahi writes that failure to disclose Catholic religious affiliation and compliance with religious directives affects patient care, and is just “bad medicine.”
In response to a recent New York Times article, Dr. Guiahi writes that the omission of a hospital’s religious affiliation, particularly when “compliance with religious directives directly affects patient care,” is not only common, but limits consumers’ ability to make informed decisions about their health.
Guiahi notes that patient autonomy, education, clear communication and transparency promote better patient outcomes, and that failure to note Catholic identity completely has a negative effect on patient care.