The Christian concept of the imago Dei, which asserts that all humans are created in the image of God, provides a foundational perspective for holistic patient care within their family and community. To be human – in God’s image – means living in close, caring connections with one another and the entire creation (van Urk-Coster, 2021). Recognizing the divine image in every person affirms their inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness, shaping a compassionate and respectful approach to healthcare. This perspective encourages a view of the patient not merely as a medical case but as a whole person with physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Holistic nursing care is a patient-centered approach that addresses the patients physical, social, spiritual, and psychological requirements. By seeing patients as bearers of divine value, healthcare professionals are called to honor their individuality, cultural background, and personal beliefs, fostering an environment of empathy and person-centered care.
Within the family and community context, the imago Dei perspective promotes the idea that health and well-being extend beyond the individual to their broader relational networks. Patients do not exist in isolation; they are part of families and communities that influence their experiences of illness and healing. This approach emphasizes the importance of family support, social connections, and communal resources in patient care. It encourages healthcare providers to acknowledge the role of caregivers, family dynamics, and cultural traditions in shaping a patient’s health decisions and coping mechanisms. By integrating these aspects, healthcare professionals can develop care plans that align with the patient’s values and lived experiences, ultimately enhancing holistic healing and long-term well-being.
Furthermore, the imago Dei framework inspires an ethical commitment to justice and advocacy in healthcare. It calls for addressing social determinants of health, reducing disparities, and ensuring equitable access to care, especially for marginalized or vulnerable populations. A holistic perspective rooted in this concept drives healthcare professionals to work collaboratively with community organizations, faith-based groups, and social services to provide comprehensive care that supports physical healing, emotional resilience, and spiritual fulfillment (Ambushe et al., 2023). In doing so, the imago Dei fosters a compassionate, inclusive, and ethically grounded approach to patient care within the family and community.
References
Ambushe, S. A., Awoke, N., Demissie, B. W., & Tekalign, T. (2023). Holistic nursing care practice and associated factors among nurses in public hospitals of Wolaita zone, South Ethiopia. BMC nursing, 22(1), 390. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12912-023-01517-0
van Urk-Coster, E. (2021). Created in the Image of God: Both Human and Non-Human Animals?. Theology and Science, 19(4), 343-362. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14746700.2021.1982248
