Clinical Practice, Religion, and Spirituality

Oman, Doug

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-73966-3_14

Doug Oman⁴

Part of the book series: Religion, Spirituality and Health: A Social Scientific Approach ((RELSPHE,volume 2))

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5 Citations

Abstract

This chapter reviews theories and empirical evidence on religious and spiritual (R/S) factors in clinical medicine. Conducting spiritual assessments is required in some settings by The Joint Commission for accreditation of healthcare organizations. Available published literature suggests that several dimensions of R/S predict better adherence to HIV treatment.

R/S factors have been linked to reduced surgical complications, length of hospital stay, and mortality, and improved physical functioning, quality of life, and psychological well-being among m medical patients. Spiritual struggles are related to poorer well-being. R/S factors show mixed cross-sectional associations are but are prospectively associated with less pain. Patients’ perceive several R/S needs in healthcare settings that include spiritual practices; relationship with God; hope, meaning, purpose, and interpersonal connection. Several factors, such as retaining a place in community, support spiritual well-being in the palliative care context. Majorities of patients regard physician inquiries about R/S as appropriate in at least some circumstances, but physician inquiries appear to be infrequent and inadequate. R/S-related interventions with supporting evidence include several psychotherapeutic interventions, some formalized interventions for medical patients that draw on R/S resources, and R/S-related forms of meditation. Some R/S interventions can enhance effectiveness and reduce stress among health professionals. Patients in some R/S groups may request alternative treatments or reject standard treatments. Physician prayer with patients may be ethically problematic except under specific conditions.

This chapter is one of thirteen reviews in this volume providing a public health perspective on the empirical evidence relating R/S to physical and mental health.

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Doug Oman

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Oman, D. (2018). Clinical Practice, Religion, and Spirituality. In: Oman, D. (eds) Why Religion and Spirituality Matter for Public Health. Religion, Spirituality and Health: A Social Scientific Approach, vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73966-3_14

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73966-3_14
Published: 09 May 2018
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