The Role of Spirituality in Healthcare

Key Insights:

• People define spirituality differently, with some viewing it in a religious context (i.e., a belief in God) and others defining it as a connection with a power or force outside of one’s self.
• Spirituality can play a role in healthcare, such as by affecting the way patients may deal with an illness or even by potentially impacting their longevity. It can also help healthcare workers feel fulfilled at work and contribute to feelings of peace in a sometimes chaotic work environment.
• Practices that may aid in spiritual growth include meditation, prayer, yoga, journaling, and spending time in nature.

Research studies help us better understand the factors that can impact a patient’s wellness, how disease develops, and treatments that may help. This makes healthcare a science, at least in part.

Many in this field suggest that spirituality is another important component of patient care. That makes it something to think about, no matter where you are in your healthcare career journey — whether you’re currently in the field, in the middle of training, or just beginning to look at healthcare programs.

What Is Spirituality?

There is no single one-size-fits-all definition for spirituality. Instead, people define it differently depending on what it means to them.¹

For some, spirituality may refer to a belief in God or be associated with participating in a particular religion. Others might view it as having a connection with a higher power or some other force outside of themselves, such as through nature or music.

In an interview with the American Medical Association, Christina Puchalski, MD, professor of medicine and director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality & Health, defines spirituality as “the search for meaning, purpose and transcendence.”² What does this have to do with healthcare?

The Role of Spirituality in Healthcare

Puchalski explains that research has found that spirituality can impact one’s health, such as by affecting the way they cope with an illness.³ Other studies indicate that being spiritual may also lower mortality risk.⁴

Addressing patients’ spiritual needs may also benefit them through:⁵

• Increased physical and emotional stress tolerance
• Improved illness management
• Reduced feelings of anxiety and depression
• Lower levels of pain
• An enhanced ability to cope with disease and potential death

Recognizing a patient’s spirituality enables healthcare professionals to provide care to the whole patient.⁶ Sometimes referred to as patient-centered care, this approach involves considering the patient’s individual values, needs, and preferences. Caring for their spirituality can also improve their patient satisfaction levels and increase their trust in staff.⁷

Does spirituality offer benefits for healthcare workers?

It can, especially when you remember that healthcare workers can be patients, too. One study found that workers in healthcare have a higher prevalence of some physical and mental health conditions than workers in other industries.⁸ Since this can place them in the role of patient, the spirituality benefits previously mentioned could also extend to them.

Spirituality can also support healthcare worker wellness by helping them find fulfillment in their jobs and enabling them to feel a sense of peace at times when the workplace is chaotic.⁹

Practices for Spiritual Growth

If you’re interested in growing spiritually, or you want to better understand the practices your patients may use in their spiritual journeys, here are a few to consider:¹⁰

• Engaging in meditation or prayer
• Doing yoga
• Journaling your thoughts
• Performing acts of service, such as through volunteer work
• Cultivating your compassion for others
• Connecting with nature

UMA: Caring for You So You Can Care for Others

At UMA, we believe that Care Pays Back. When we care for learners in our healthcare programs, it enables them to go forward in their healthcare careers and care for others.

One of the ways we provide care is by sharing information that can help you better understand what it means to work in healthcare, such as what we’ve done here.

We also care for learners through our Student Services, giving you access to teams of individuals who can assist you with questions you may have about admissions, financial aid, your coursework, or your job search.

Contact us and let’s talk about how we can help you pursue your calling to care. We look forward to learning about your career goals and what working in healthcare would mean to you.

FAQs

What does it mean to be spiritual? People have different definitions for what spirituality means, ranging from having a belief in a God or gods to non-religious meanings such as connecting with their inner selves through practices such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.¹

What is spiritual health? Spiritual health can be defined as “a state of balance and harmony in one’s relationship with oneself, others, nature, and a higher power or spirituality.”¹¹ Sometimes referred to as spiritual wellness, its benefits can include feelings of inner peace, improved resilience, deeper relationships, greater emotional balance, and enhanced mental health.¹²

What is a spiritual practice? A spiritual practice is an activity that can help you grow spiritually. Examples may include meditating, doing yoga, journaling, and spending time in nature.¹⁰