The study, conducted at two holy water treatment sites in Addis Ababa, involved 12 semi-structured interviews with holy water priest healers. The results revealed eight notable themes:
- Multiple explanatory models of illness dominated by religious and spiritual understanding.
- Emphasis on spiritual healing and empathic understanding in treatment.
- Recognition of the value of biomedicine as part of an eclectic healing model.
- Positive views on collaboration due to biomedical practitioners' humility and respect.
- Recognition of their role and contribution in providing mental healthcare.
- Effectiveness of biomedical clinics in treating violent and aggressive patients.
- Support for collaboration to overcome patient and family reluctance to use biomedicine.
- Concerns about the lack of spiritual healing in biomedical treatment and the one-way referral system.
For practitioners, this study highlights the importance of integrating culturally sensitive approaches and respecting traditional healing practices. Here are some key takeaways to improve your practice:
1. Embrace a Holistic Approach
Recognize the value of combining spiritual, psychological, and biomedical treatments. This can enhance the therapeutic experience and outcomes for patients who hold strong religious or spiritual beliefs.
2. Build Mutual Respect and Trust
Foster a respectful and humble attitude towards traditional healers. This can help in building trust and creating a collaborative environment that benefits the patient.
3. Encourage Patient and Family Involvement
Work with patients and their families to overcome reluctance towards biomedical treatments by explaining the complementary nature of spiritual and medical approaches.
4. Address Concerns and Feedback
Be open to feedback from traditional healers and address any concerns they may have about biomedical treatments. This can help in creating a more integrated and effective care system.
By incorporating these insights, practitioners can enhance their skills and improve the quality of care provided to patients with diverse cultural backgrounds. For further reading and a deeper understanding of the study, please follow this link: “Trust in God, but tie your donkey”: Holy water priest healers’ views on collaboration with biomedical mental health services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
