Spirituality in psychiatry residency training programs

Abstract

Spirituality has been receiving increased attention in health care in recent years. Surveys have identified that patients want their spiritual beliefs addressed in the clinical setting. Data suggests that spirituality may be helpful to people as they cope with serious illness and life events. Medical educators are recognizing spirituality as a core patient need. Courses in medical schools and in psychiatric residency programs are being developed to address this important issue.The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) guidelines underscore the importance of addressing religious/spiritual issues in psychiatric training. The John Templeton Spirituality and Medicine Award Program administered by GeorgeWashington University recognizes psychiatric residency programs that address spirituality and health. This award has stimulated the development of relevant, novel curricula in this area. In addition, a consensus group of psychiatrists has developed a model curriculum that addresses key concepts of a psychiatric residency training programs in spirituality and medicine.