Spirituality and Health Care
A Request for Prayer
Author(s)
Pediatrics
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
jane.goleman@nationwidechildrens.org
General Internal Medicine
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Michael.langan@osumc.edu
Family Medicine
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Allison.macerollo@osumc.edu
Abstract
In this medical ethics case, a fourth-year medical student making hospital rounds with an attending physician and several residents is asked by a family member of a patient to pray with her. The case allows medical students to explore issues related to patients’ religious beliefs as they think through how they might respond to different expectations and requests they may receive from patients and their families in their professional career. The case is appropriate for use with medical students in all four years of training as well as interns and residents.
Objectives
- Understand the role that spirituality plays for both patients and physicians in a patient/family’s experience of illness.
- Recognize the nature of conflicts that may be present among members of the healthcare team regarding the issue of praying with patients.
- Appreciate the options and challenges when asked to pray with patients, and discuss strategies that may help resolve difficulties that may arise.
- Appreciate cultural differences which influence spiritual beliefs and behaviors in patients and families who are dealing with loss of health.
Keywords
Patient religious beliefs; spirituality; belief; prayer; physician-patient relationship; medical ethicsTopical Areas
Ethics, Social issuesEducational Level
Professional (degree program), Continuing educationFormat
PDFType / Methods
Dilemma/Decision, Role-PlayLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Medicine (General) | Nursing |
Date Posted
10/19/10Teaching Notes
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