Does spiritual and religious orientation impact the clinical practice of healthcare providers?

ABSTRACT

The objective of the current study was to assess the religious and spiritual (R&S) beliefs and practices among healthcare providers, compare R&S among provider types, as well as examine the potential relationship between organized/nonorganized religious activities and intrinsic religiosity with the incorporation of R&S into clinical practice. A cross-sectional descriptive online survey methodology was used. There were 387 participants with an average age of 45.5 years. Providers included primary care providers (26.9%), nurses (27.1%), allied health (23.5%), and mental health professionals (22.5%). Most participants reported being “religious and spiritual” (42.9%) or “spiritual and not religious” (36.6%). There was a difference in R&S among provider types (x2(6) = 12.6, p = .05) with mental health providers more often identifying as spiritual, but not religious (46.6%) compared with other providers. No mental health professional indicated almost always/often/sometimes praying with patients versus 9.5% of primary providers, 14.8% of allied providers, and 18.1% of nurses. Results from structural equation modeling showed that intrinsic religiosity was most strongly associated with how a provider interacted with patients around R&S (β = .644, p < .001) followed by non-organized religious activities (β = .228, p < .001) and organized religious activities (β = .092, p = .037). Understanding the role of R&S beliefs and behaviors of healthcare providers is important to patient-centered care.

KEYWORDS:

• Spirituality
• religion
• healthcare
• intrinsic religiosity
• clinical practice

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth Palmer Kelly

Elizabeth Palmer Kelly is a Research Analytics Specialist for The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Madison Hyer

Madison Hyer is a Senior Biostatistician for the Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Nicolette Payne

Nicolette Payne is a medical student within the College of Medicine, The Ohio State University.

Timothy M. Pawlik

Timothy M. Pawlik is the Chair of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research.