Spirituality and religiosity in medical practice at a university hospital

Abstract

Religiosity and spirituality are pivotal in medical practice, particularly in fostering a patient-centered approach that enhances the physician-patient relationship. Despite this, many physicians still underutilize these invaluable resources, often due to feelings of uncertainty when navigating the personal aspects of patients’ lives. To address this challenge, a survey involving 128 physicians, including residents, was conducted at a university hospital in Minas Gerais between August and December 2021. Utilizing the Duke Religiosity Inventory and Multidimensional Interpersonal Reactivity Scale questionnaires, alongside inquiries drawn from prior studies on health and spirituality, the goal was to assess professionals’ perceptions of the significance of religiosity and spirituality in clinical practice and their interplay with ethical and humanistic attitudes. The findings unveiled a significant correlation between the two scales, underscoring a positive connection between religiosity, spirituality, and empathy.