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Hospice patients’ attitudes regarding spiritual discussions with their doctors

Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

R. Jeff Kohlwes, MD, MPH

Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California

Rick Deyo, MD, MPH

Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Lorna A. Rhodes, PhD

Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Deborah J. Bowen, PhD

Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington

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.

Key Words: spiritual • religion • hospice patients • physician-patient relationships

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