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How many times have you felt that you have everything you need but something is still missing? We obtain our goals, and yet, there often still remains that empty space. Perhaps it is a signal that it is time to attend to the inner needs of the soul!

Spirituality can be any life experience that is significant for us - even the experience of losing our health. Perhaps it takes such a life threatening illness to awaken the quest for "more" in our lives and to seek a spiritual rebirth. Does this play a role in our response to the health care community? Some believe it does.

Some physicians are now being trained to take a "spiritual history" along with the standard physical exam. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania surveyed outpatients and found high support for such "spiritual intakes". Some 94% of those who had religious or spiritual beliefs felt physicians should ask about those beliefs, yet only 15% of those surveyed said a doctor had ever asked. (Archives of Internal Medicine, August 9, 1999)

It is critical to understand what's important to a person and how those beliefs and values might affect how they cope with illness. One researcher identified four questions to assist the physician in determining a person's belief system. These include nature, philosophy, family, and community along with religious preference.

The following is a brief summary of those questions that could be used in a spiritual history. What do you believe in that gives meaning to your life? How might your beliefs influence your behavior during this illness? Are you part of a spiritual or religious community and is there a person or group who can help support you in your illness? What can I do as your physician to address and support spiritual issues in your health care?

There are sound medical reasons to take these beliefs seriously. An analysis published in the June 2000 issue of "Health Psychology" found that those with some sort of religious involvement live longer -- though no one knows whether longevity is due to their faith or their community ties. Moreover, two-thirds of the patients in the University of Pennsylvania study said that being asked questions about their beliefs would increase their trust in a doctor. This has been linked to better medical outcomes.

Is spiritual caring important to your health? Some would say it is vital. A well developed sense of intuition, an ease with silence and an ability to let go of being in control might open new dimensions of insight and understanding.

Physicians are not being trained to be spiritual counselors but rather to open the door to discussion that could enhance the care you receive. Chaplains and social workers can also be resources for this discussion. When the conversation is conducted with care and respect, it can help engender trust and open discussions about end-of-life decisions in the event you become seriously ill.


	Spiritual Caring in Health by Carolyn Carter, RN, MN
	How many times have you felt that you have everything you need but something is still missing? We obtain our goals, and yet, there often still remains that empty space. Perhaps it is a signal that it is time to attend to the inner needs of the soul! Spirituality can be any life experience that is significant for us - even the experience of losing our health. Perhaps it takes such a life threatening illness to awaken the quest for "more" in our lives and to seek a spiritual rebirth. Does this play a role in our response to the health care community? Some believe it does. Some physicians are now being trained to take a "spiritual history" along with the standard physical exam. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania surveyed outpatients and found high support for such "spiritual intakes". Some 94% of those who had religious or spiritual beliefs felt physicians should ask about those beliefs, yet only 15% of those surveyed said a doctor had ever asked. (Archives of Internal Medicine, August 9, 1999) It is critical to understand what's important to a person and how those beliefs and values might affect how they cope with illness. One researcher identified four questions to assist the physician in determining a person's belief system. These include nature, philosophy, family, and community along with religious preference. The following is a brief summary of those questions that could be used in a spiritual history. What do you believe in that gives meaning to your life? How might your beliefs influence your behavior during this illness? Are you part of a spiritual or religious community and is there a person or group who can help support you in your illness? What can I do as your physician to address and support spiritual issues in your health care? There are sound medical reasons to take these beliefs seriously. An analysis published in the June 2000 issue of "Health Psychology" found that those with some sort of religious involvement live longer -- though no one knows whether longevity is due to their faith or their community ties. Moreover, two-thirds of the patients in the University of Pennsylvania study said that being asked questions about their beliefs would increase their trust in a doctor. This has been linked to better medical outcomes. Is spiritual caring important to your health? Some would say it is vital. A well developed sense of intuition, an ease with silence and an ability to let go of being in control might open new dimensions of insight and understanding. Physicians are not being trained to be spiritual counselors but rather to open the door to discussion that could enhance the care you receive. Chaplains and social workers can also be resources for this discussion. When the conversation is conducted with care and respect, it can help engender trust and open discussions about end-of-life decisions in the event you become seriously ill. Back Top Next Site Map
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