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Spirituality and medical practice.
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno 89557-0046.
The Journal of Family Practice
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Spirituality is a key part of healthcare often overlooked in primary medical practice. Addressing spiritual issues can positively impact patient health and behavior, supporting a biopsychosocial-spiritual model in medicine.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Medical Ethics
- Patient Care
Background:
- Spirituality is an underaddressed aspect of modern healthcare.
- Confusion between spirituality and religion fuels controversy regarding its role in medical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- Distinguish between spiritual and religious issues in medicine.
- Review the historical context and growing literature on spirituality in healthcare.
- Provide practical guidelines for physicians.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on spirituality in medicine.
- Analysis of historical perspectives.
- Examination of existing guidelines (e.g., American Psychiatric Association).
Main Results:
- Spirituality and religion are distinct concepts.
- A growing body of medical literature supports addressing spiritual issues.
- Guidelines exist to help physicians integrate spiritual care.
Conclusions:
- Spiritual issues should be addressed in patient care when appropriate.
- Integrating spirituality may enhance patient health and behavior.
- The medical model should expand to a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework, including spiritual issues in medical education.