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What GPs mean by 'spirituality' and how they apply this concept with patients: a qualitative study
Alistair Appleby1, John Swinton2, Philip Wilson3
1GP, Aviemore Medical Practice, Aviemore, UK.
Background:
Little is known about how the concept of spirituality is understood and applied by GPs.
Aim:
To provide a detailed description of how GPs understand the concept of spirituality and apply this with patients.
Design & Setting:
Nineteen Scottish GPs were interviewed about their perceptions of the concept of spirituality and how they apply this in practice.
Method:
An approach informed by grounded theory was used to identify and summarise common themes.
Results:
Seven concepts concerning spirituality emerged, some of which are previously unrecognised. Four attitudes to spiritual care and four patterns of spiritual care were identified.
Conclusion:
GPs have varying views on what spirituality is, and these relate partly to individual beliefs and experiences. These create considerable variation in the delivery of spiritual care.