title: Hospice patients' attitudes regarding spiritual discussions with their doctors.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess hospice patients' attitudes regarding the discussion of spiritual issues with their physicians. We conducted in-depth interviews using open-ended questions on living with illness, spirituality and religion, and physician-patient relationships. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed for dominant themes. The following dominant themes were identified: (1) treating the whole person, (2) treating with sensitivity, (3) favorable attitudes toward religious or spiritual discussions with doctors, and (4) no "preaching." Our findings suggest that patients do not expect physicians to be their primary spiritual advisors; however, physicians should be aware of and comfortable communicating with patients about religious or spiritual issues. More training in this topic may enhance the care physicians provide to patients near the end of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: Alton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: R Jeff
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kohlwes
authors.forename: Rick
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deyo
authors.forename: Lorna A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rhodes
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Bowen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006694:Holistic Health; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015205:Northwestern United States; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors