Medicine and spirituality: the profile of students and physicians at a Brazilian medical school

Abstract

Introduction:

Scientific research indicates that spirituality plays an important role in the daily life of most patients. Moreover, there are studies indicating that religious activities and beliefs may be related to better health and quality of life¹.

Objective:

to evaluate the level of spirituality of medical students and graduated physicians, in addition to analyzing the teaching of the “Medicine and Spirituality” interface in medical school.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out by applying questionnaires to medical students and doctors at a Brazilian public medical school.

Results:

a total of 234 participants were evaluated. Most believe in a higher power. Spirituality was higher among doctors who had already graduated and among females. Most believe that university education does not prepare doctors to address the topic with the patients. Despite this limitation, most have already discussed spirituality with their patients.

Conclusion:

Doctors and medical students consider it important to contemplate spiritual aspects of patients using an ecumenical and respectful approach. Nevertheless, they consider they were not sufficiently prepared in medical school for this approach.

Keywords:
Spirituality; Integrative Medicine; Medical Education