Discussing spirituality with patients: a rational and ethical approach.
BACKGROUND
This study was undertaken to determine when patients feel that physician inquiry about spirituality or religious beliefs is appropriate, reasons why they want their physicians to know about their spiritual beliefs, and what they want physicians to do with this information.


METHODS
Trained research assistants administered a questionnaire to a convenience sample of consenting patients and accompanying adults in the waiting rooms of 4 family practice residency training sites and 1 private group practice in northeastern Ohio. Demographic information, the SF-12 Health Survey, and participant ratings of appropriate situations, reasons, and expectations for physician discussions of spirituality or religious beliefs were obtained.


RESULTS
Of 1,413 adults who were asked to respond, 921 completed questionnaires, and 492 refused (response rate = 65%). Eighty-three percent of respondents wanted physicians to ask about spiritual beliefs in at least some circumstances. The most acceptable scenarios for spiritual discussion were life-threatening illnesses (77%), serious medical conditions (74%) and loss of loved ones (70%). Among those who wanted to discuss spirituality, the most important reason for discussion was desire for physician-patient understanding (87%). Patients believed that information concerning their spiritual beliefs would affect physicians' ability to encourage realistic hope (67%), give medical advice (66%), and change medical treatment (62%).


CONCLUSIONS
This study helps clarify the nature of patient preferences for spiritual discussion with physicians.
McCord
Gary
G
Department of Family Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio 44272, USA. gmccord@neoucom.edu
Gilchrist
Valerie J
VJ
Grossman
Steven D
SD
King
Bridget D
BD
McCormick
Kenelm E
KE
Oprandi
Allison M
AM
Schrop
Susan Labuda
SL
Selius
Brian A
BA
Smucker
D O William D
DO
Weldy
David L
DL
Amorn
Melissa
M
Carter
Melissa A
MA
Deak
Andrew J
AJ
Hefzy
Hebah
H
Srivastava
Mohit
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D030881:Disclosure / Q000941:ethics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012650:Self Disclosure; D029181:Spirituality