The study investigated unconscious biases in physicians regarding conflicts in developing care plans for patients related to religious restrictions in medicine. Fourteen physicians were interviewed to discuss their experiences with these patients and find patterns and factors that could lead to more negative attitudes from the physicians in the patient’s care. It was found that the gender, religious background, and location of residency had various impacts on the attitude of the physician regarding a religious concern; however, there was no outstanding demographic that led to a comparatively negative attitude. Additionally, the type of reasoning a patient used related to a religious concern had an impact on the attitude of the physician, and this was due to the logic and duration of the concern as well as the attitude of the patient. These factors and patient cases were thoroughly analyzed and discussed throughout the paper to shed light on possible factors that could negatively affect the patient’s care.
As time passes and equipment advances, healthcare keeps evolving. The way medicine is practiced today is largely influenced by the resources established from technology. This technology has been a benefit in the treatment of many patients but has, at the same time, also provided new obstacles. Each advancement has an influence on the way medicine is practiced and the type of care patients are receiving. This thesis explores these factors to determine the overall impact patients face as innovation progresses through future development.