Systematic review of medical education on spirituality

Abstract

Background Spirituality is a fundamental dimension of our human nature that impacts on medical care and yet is relatively neglected by medical education courses in Australia. Aim This systematic review was conducted to assess the curriculum content currently used to develop medical student understanding of, and engagement with, spirituality in the context of patient care. Methods Studies published in English from 2010 to the review date were included in order to focus on the most recent curricula. Studies included medical students in undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, doctors in resident training programmes and registrars. Interventions considered for inclusion were curriculum modules on communication skills in spirituality, spiritual needs assessments and holistic care planning. Six databases, including PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, Medline and CINAHL, were searched electronically using the following keywords and MeSH search terms: ‘medical students’, ‘doctor‘, ‘physician’, ‘spirituality’, ‘spiritual care’, ‘religion’, ‘education’, ‘history taking’ and ‘communication skills training’ from 2010 to 2020. Results For 342 articles, three researchers screened the titles and abstracts; disagreements were resolved by discussion. Full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility based on study and report characteristics; 17 papers were included in the analysis. Curriculum content of each study was reviewed. The following key features were employed frequently: chaplain shadowing, communications skills training, self‐reflection, examining evidence and relationship building. Conclusion This review has determined the core content, aims and objectives to guide construction of spirituality curricula in Australian medical education.

The GP’s perceived role and use of language concerning the existential dimension of palliative patients: a Dutch interview study

“…Appleby et al concluded their review by stating that if agreed it is desirable to encourage the integration of this dimension in general practice, we have to find common frameworks for these discussions [ 46 ], and a recent study amongst Scottish GPs even suggested to define a gold standard [ 47 ]. Wenham et al in a review proposed core content, aims and objectives to guide further work on this [ 48 ]. We recommend research on ways of warranting integration of this dimension in care for palliative patients, without disregarding the GP as a professional in a personalised approach.…”

A training programme for medical students in providing spiritual care to people with advanced diseases and their loved ones: A case study from the Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland

“…The aims and objectives of our program cited earlier are similar to those defined for the educational programs introduced at medical universities in United States, South America, United Kingdom and some other European countries ( 24 – 27 , 31 – 39 ). These different spirituality curricula are generally focused on improving the student mindfulness, compassion and empathy, careful listening and communication on what is integral to the person, what he/she believes in, and hopes for.…”

“…Programs concentrating on improving the ability to perform spiritual care are usually based on case discussions, real patient history taking or self-reflective journaling ( 27 ). These complement the structured clinical knowledge achieved in a medical degree and are an important component of holistic mastery in clinical medicine.…”

“…A recent systematic review of international medical school and residency program curricula that address spiritual care pointed also to some other core content not included in our current curriculum, such as chaplain shadowing, OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), simulated patients or spirituality dinners ( 27 ).…”

“…A review of existing international programmes was conducted ( 23 – 27 ). This included an in-depth analysis of the course curricula and teaching methods to underpin the proposed programme.…”