Psychiatric News June 18, 2004
Volume 39 Number 12
© 2004 American Psychiatric Association
p. 50
How to Start Dialogue on Spirituality
To help physicians conduct a "spiritual history" of their
patients, Christine Puchalski, M.D., director of the George Washington
Institute for Spirituality and Health, advises physicians to use the acronym
FICA to help them remember to ask crucial questions that elicit dialogue
around spiritual or religious issues.
- F: Faith and Belief
"Do you consider yourself spiritual or religious?" or "Do
you have spiritual beliefs that help you cope with stress?" If the
patient responds "No," the physician might ask, "What gives
your life meaning?" Sometimes patients respond with answers such as
family, career, or nature.
- I: Importance
"What importance does your faith or belief have in your life? Have
your beliefs influenced how you take care of yourself during this illness?
What role do your beliefs play in regaining your health?"
- C: Community
"Are you part of a spiritual or religious community? Is this of
support to you and how? Is there a group of people you really love or who are
important to you?" Communities such as churches, temples, and mosques,
or a group of like-minded friends can serve as strong support systems for some
patients.
- A: Address in Care
"How would you like me, your physician, to address these issues in
your treatment?"
Related Article:
-
Psychiatrists Urge More Direct Focus On Patients' Spirituality
- Eve Bender
Psychiatr News 2004 39: 30-50.
[Full Text]
Get information about faster international access.
Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2004
American Psychiatric Association.
All rights reserved.
Home
| Search
| Current Issue
| Past Issues
| Subscribe
| All APPI Journals
| Help
| Contact Us
|
