Brazilian Physicians' Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Patients' Spirituality: Implications for Clinical Practice

A substantial amount of international research has demonstrated the impact of spirituality/religiosity (S/R) on health outcomes. However, we do not know much about physician's beliefs and attitudes toward patient's spirituality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implications of physicians' beliefs toward patient's spirituality for clinical practice in the Brazilian context. Results of a literature review as well as an empirical research carried out on a sample of 48 Brazilian physicians, from two hospitals, regarding their beliefs and attitudes toward patient's spirituality are presented. There appears to be an ambiguous attitude of receptivity and silence on S/R issues in clinical practice. Ethical issues related to the integration of patient's spirituality/religiosity into health care practices are discussed.