Comparison of perceptions towards spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual care of medical professionals from the East and West

Abstract

This study examined and compared medical professionals’ perceptions towards spirituality and spiritual care between those from the East and West, and amongst medical doctors and other medical professionals. The International Committee of the Japan Society of Integrative Medicine conducted an electronic survey, and data of medical professionals from 14 countries were collected and grouped into either the East or West prior to analysis. Perception of the importance of spirituality/religion in the process of treatment was compared followed by a text analysis to examine opinions on 1) spiritual care and 2) challenges in incorporating traditional medicine and religious spirituality into conventional medicine.

Based on data from 332 participants, of whom more than half (54.5%) were female, and close to half were medical doctors (47.3%), those from the West were significantly more likely to report that spirituality/religion is important in the process of medical treatment. Participants regarded spiritual care as important but also perceived many barriers towards implementation.