Question

Jonah Meyers, an Orthodox Jew, brought his wife to the hospital in active labor at 8 p.m. on a Friday. When she gave birth at midnight, the nurses suggested that Mr. Meyers accompany her to the postpartum unit and then return home to rest. He thanked them but explained that he could not drive home because it was the Sabbath. The nurses understood and arranged for him to stay in his wife’s room.

In the morning, Mr. Meyers asked the nurses for breakfast. They explained that the hospital provided food only for patients; he would have to buy his breakfast in the dining room. When Mr. Meyers told them he was forbidden to ride in an elevator or handle money, one of the nurses offered to get him food. But Mr. Meyers had no money with him. Frustrated, the nurses finally ordered extra food for his wife to share with him. At lunch, Mr. Meyers once again requested food. This time the nurses suggested that he call a friend or relative to pick him up.

Research Sabbath for Orthodox Jews and answer:

When is the holiday? Why could he drive his wife there but not himself home?

What restrictions are Orthodox Jews to observe?

If he knew he would have to stay at the hospital, why had he not brought food with him? Was it appropriate to suggest he call a friend? What accommodations or interventions could the nurses do and explain their importance and how should they address them?

Name 3 changes or additions to an EHR that could help patients feel more respected and educate healthcare staff -

Answer 1

What is Sabbath

It is Judaism's day of rest and the seventh day of the week. On this day, religious Jews, Samaritans and certain Christians communities observe Sabbath in remembernce of the creation of heaven and earth in 6 days.

When is the holiday?

The Sabbath starts at nightfall on Friday and lasts until nightfall on Saturday.

Why could he drive his wife there but not himself home?

It is mentioned that he drove his wife in on Friday evening at 8pm which was permitted for him and driving back on Saturday is forbidden for him since it's Sabbath and he's supposed to do only Jewish religious practices on that particular day.

What restrictions are Orthodox Jews to observe?

Orthodox and most Conservative Jewish authorities totally prohibit the driving on Shabbat as a strict violation. Some of them including lighting a fire, extinguishing a fire, plowing, grinding and kneading and so on.

If he knew he would have to stay at the hospital, why had he not brought food with him?

He rushed to hospital for the birth of his baby, obviously he hadn't have enough time to pack food and rush. However, though he brought food for him, it is forbidden to reheat it on the day of Sabbath. It's reason he didn't carry it and requested the staffs to help him with food.

Was it appropriate to suggest he call a friend?

It was inappropriate since orthodox Jews cannot make or receive phone calls on Sabbath day.

What accommodations or interventions could the nurses do and explain their importance and how should they address them?

- nurses must ask the patient while collecting the history during admissionabout their restrictions on Sabbath

- nurses must be at their help to support them with basic helps

- it is also important for nurses to address them their limitations as per the by laws.

Name 3 changes or additions to an EHR that could help patients feel more respected and educate healthcare staff

1. At the time of training, staffs need to get educated about Sabbath rituals.
2. Diet arrangements for the person who's observing Sabbath
3. Make a check list to avoid confusion to treat Jewish patients better on Sabbath day.