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Spiritual and Religious Characteristics of Osteopathic Medical Students
Workman, G. M. [1]
Lee, M. M. [1]
Nichols, K. J. [10]
Workman, D. E. [1]
Christian, V. L. [1]
Orlinsky, D. E. [1]

Journal: The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association Date: 2009/08, 109(8):Pages: 459-460. doi: Subito , type of study: cross sectional study

Full text    (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2009.109.8.425/html)

Keywords:

cross sectional study [842]
medical students [647]
osteopathic medicine [2025]
religion [9]
spirituality [32]
USA [1656]

Abstract:

Hypothesis: Osteopathic medicine has recognized the importance of teaching medical students about spirituality and religion (McClain et al, 2008). A recent survey of physicians indicates that 55% of the participants acknowledged that their religious beliefs influence their clinical engagements (Curlin et al, 2005). However, little is known about medical students' religious values and how they shape the clinical encounter. This study assessed which osteopathic medical students are most likely to address patient spirituality and religiosity. This would help educators to (1) clarify the nature of medical students' attitudes about spiritual discussion with patients, (2) identify potential gaps in the existing medical curriculum, and (3) develop a model for predicting which medical students are likely to incorporate spiritual concerns into patient care. Methods: Participants included 222 students enrolled in an osteopathic medical school. A survey was completed at baseline to assess their attitudes regarding the integration of patient spirituality in the clinical encounter. Medical students also rated the importance of individual spirituality and communal religiosity in their lives using the Religious and Spirituality Experiences scales (Smith and Orlinsky, 2004). Results: Students who rated individual spiritual experiences as more important in their lives currently also rated themselves as more likely to complete spiritual assessments with their patients (r=.32, P<.001). Students who rated religious experiences as more important in their lives currently also rated themselves as more likely to complete a spiritual assessment with their patients (r=.21, P<.001). Though medical students' religious characteristics are diverse, they generally endorsed a commitment to both personal spirituality and communal religiosity. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the importance medical students place on their own spiritual and religious experiences is positively related to the likelihood that they will integrate spirituality with patients in clinical scenarios. Results highlight the importance of medical educators being sensitive to individual variability in osteopathic medical students' own spiritual/religious values prior to engaging in spiritual diversity training. Medical students would benefit from curricular components that facilitate a deeper self-awareness of how their personal religious worldviews may shape their care of patients.

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