The worlds of medicine and religion tread different paths due to obvious sensitive issues, yet authors of a recent study urge doctors to consider meeting// the religious and spiritual needs of their patients.

This suggestion stems from a study carried out by Tracy Balboni of the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Harvard Medical School and colleagues of the Dana -Farber Cancer Institute.

As part of an NIH-funded study –Coping With Cancer, they looked at religiousness and spiritual support in patients with advanced cancer.

This was one of the factors studied in association with well being and quality of life in patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.

As part of the research, it was found that spiritual support did improve the quality of life among those facing death, yet such support was found to be inadequate.

In the study of 230 patients, 88 percent of them considered religion to be at least somewhat important.

Significantly, nearly half said their spiritual needs was largely or entirely ignored by organized religion.

In addition, 72 percent said the same needs were not addressed by the medical system.

'These findings provide further evidence that oncology practitioners really should include a spiritual history as part of a patient's history of social support and culture,' says Balboni.

'It allows the practitioner to know whether something's important to the patient and also makes the statement, 'we understand this might be an important part of dealing with your illness 'she adds.

The authors note that guidelines issued by the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care recognize religion and spirituality as important components of end-of-life care.

'Methods for meeting patient spiritual needs should be explored, and the impact of such interventions should be assessed,' the authors write.

'In addit
'"/>




Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Cancer Doctors Okays Controversial Prostate Therapy
2. Doctors needed urgently in Gujarat
3. Doctors operate upon patients in candlelight- latest from the quake scene
4. Doctors at risk- the ugly side of the noble profession
5. Doctors advice early anemia tests
6. Emphasis to ban Drugs ads by Doctors
7. Doctors not to accept gifts from drug companies
8. Gene testing kit specific for Doctors
9. Doctors warned of fluoride toxicity
10. Doctors decisions are affected by fear of lawsuits- says a study
11. Bihar High Court Intervenes To End Doctors Strike