How physicians cope with patients' religious beliefs

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Interviews with doctors reveal how they deal with conflict arising between their recommendations and a patient's spiritual and religious beliefs.
At times of illness, many people use their religion to help them understand and cope with their situation. But sometimes their beliefs can lead to conflict with what their doctor advises. Researchers at the University of Chicago explored this issue through a series of interviews with 21 physicians. Seven had no particular beliefs themselves, six were Protestant, four Jewish and two Catholic. One was Hindu and one Buddhist.

Patients may refuse treatment for religious reasons if treatment offers moderate possibilities of benefit in a situation of medical uncertainty. Generally, if the doctor believed the patient would suffer if they didn't follow their recommendations, they would try to persuade them to reconsider - rather than remaining neutral. The researchers found that the doctor usually tried to achieve a balance between respect for the patients beliefs and concern for their health.

Source
Archives of Internal Medicine 10th January 2005 Volume 165 pages 88-91