Spiritual health in general practice

Spirituality is deemed an integral component of health. Spirituality is addressed by various healthcare professionals, including general practitioners (GPs), spiritual care practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, integrative health practitioners and those working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Research has shown that spirituality is associated with mostly positive health outcomes, including physical and mental health benefits. Research also suggests that many patients would like their doctor to address their spirituality under certain circumstances.

This article provides guidance on how GPs can address spirituality in a clinical context.

There are various patient groups with which GPs might find it useful to consider spirituality as part of whole-person healthcare. Tools and templates have been developed to assist with a spiritual assessment. GPs might provide counselling, encourage further engagement with patients' pre-existing spiritual pursuits or refer patients to spiritual care practitioners or specialists as appropriate. There exist important limitations, risks and concerns that GPs need to be aware of when addressing spirituality in a clinical setting. Motivated GPs might wish to undertake professional development in spiritual healthcare.