Assessment of knowledge about spirituality and its applicability by teaching doctors

ABSTRACT Introduction: The role of spirituality for health professionals is essential to guarantee biopsychosocial coverage and improve comprehensive patient care. Objective: To evaluate knowledge about spirituality and its applicability among teaching doctors. Methods: The present study was characterized by an exploratory, descriptive, and cross-sectional, population-based, virtual field approach. The convenience sample and the population comprised doctors teaching medicine at a private university. The instrument used to analyze knowledge about spirituality consisted of 8 closed questions and its application in professional practice was evaluated through 5 closed questions, sent via an electronic form. Results: 41 teaching doctors participated, with an average age of 46 + 11.59 years. Regarding the concept of spirituality, 24 (55.8%) answered that the alternative is “the search for meaning and importance for human life” and 24 (55.8%) also answered with the alternative “Belief in something that transcends matter”. It was found that, although most participants recognized the importance of a spiritual approach in the illness process (83.7%), the minority (23.3%) felt prepared to address this issue in their daily care. Conclusion: It was observed that there is still divergence in the definition of spirituality and religiosity. Regarding practice, the most common barriers that discourage discussing religion/spirituality with patients is the lack of time during consultations.