Discussing religious and spiritual issues at the end of life: A practical guide for physicians
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2-13-2002
Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association
Volume
287
Issue
6
DOI
10.1001/jama.287.6.749
Abstract
As patients near the end of life, their spiritual and religious concerns may be awakened or intensified. Many physicians, however, feel unskilled and uncomfortable discussing these concerns. This article suggests how physicians might respond when patients or families raise such concerns. First, some patients may explicitly base decisions about life-sustaining interventions on their spiritual or religious beliefs. Physicians need to explore those beliefs to help patients think through their preferences regarding specific interventions. Second, other patients may not bring up spiritual or religious concerns but are troubled by them. Physicians should identify such concerns and listen to them empathetically, without trying to alleviate the patient's spiritual suffering or offering premature reassurance. Third, some patients or families may have religious reasons for insisting on life-sustaining interventions that physicians advise against. The physician should listen and try to understand the patient's viewpoint. Listening respectfully does not require the physician to agree with the patient or misrepresent his or her own views. Patients and families who feel that the physician understands them and cares about them may be more willing to consider the physician's views on prognosis and treatment. By responding to patients' spiritual and religious concerns and needs, physicians may help them find comfort and closure near the end of life.
APA Citation
Lo, B., Ruston, D., Kates, L., Arnold, R., Cohen, C., Faber-Langendoen, K., Pantilat, S., Puchalski, C., Quill, T., Rabow, M., Schreiber, S., Sulmasy, D., & Tulsky, J. (2002). Discussing religious and spiritual issues at the end of life: A practical guide for physicians. Journal of the American Medical Association, 287 (6). http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.287.6.749