Gary McCord
Discussing Spirituality With Patients: A Rational and Ethical Approach
Northeast Ohio Medical University|Ohio University
study undertaken determine patients feel physician inquiry spirituality religious beliefs appropriate reasons want physicians know spiritual beliefs want physicians informationtrained research assistants administered questionnaire convenience sample consenting patients accompanying adults waiting rooms 4 family practice residency training sites 1 private group practice northeastern ohio demographic information sf12 health survey participant ratings appropriate situations reasons expectations physician discussions spirituality religious beliefs obtainedof 1413 adults asked respond 921 completed questionnaires 492 refused response rate 65 eightythree percent respondents wanted physicians ask spiritual beliefs least circumstances acceptable scenarios spiritual discussion lifethreatening illnesses 77 serious medical conditions 74 loss loved ones 70 among wanted discuss spirituality important reason discussion desire physicianpatient understanding 87 patients believed information concerning spiritual beliefs would affect physicians ability encourage realistic hope 67 give medical advice 66 change medical treatment 62this study helps clarify nature patient preferences spiritual discussion physicians