Abstract
With the increasing demands on the practice of medicine, this qualitative study asked residents and their faculty (n = 44) to reflect on how they cope with their work. They provided written reflections to questions about successful and disappointing patient experiences, as well as describing their personal, religious, or spiritual practices. Key themes included connecting with family and friends, learning from their mistakes, using cognitive behavioral tools, and engaging with their spirituality and religiosity. One third specifically mentioned they used prayer and/or meditation. We contextualized selected quotes with their level of spiritual well-being, religiosity, and burnout.
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Acknowledgements
Harold Koenig, M.D. advised the study design and granted permission to use and modify the BIAC. Thank you also to David Cella, Ph.D. and FACIT.org for permission to use the FACIT and for advice on creating groups with differing levels of spirituality. The staff at Mind Garden, Inc. created a smooth data collection experience, surpassing expectations.
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Schmidt, C., Roffler, M. Coping with the Practice of Medicine: Religion, Spirituality, and Other Personal Strategies. J Relig Health 60, 2092–2108 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-01098-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-01098-1