Table 2. Exploring Spiritual/Religious Concerns in Adults With Cancera
| Health Care Provider Action | Possible Patient Response | Health Care Provider Reply |
| aAdapted from Kristeller et al.[6] | ||
| Introduce issue in neutral inquiring manner. | When dealing with a serious illness, many people draw on religious or spiritual beliefs to help cope. It would be helpful to me to know how you feel about this. | |
| Inquire further, adjusting inquiry to patient’s initial response. | Positive-Active Faith Response | What have you found most helpful about your beliefs since your illness? |
| Neutral-Receptive Response | How might you draw on your faith or spiritual beliefs to help you? | |
| Spiritually Distressed Response (e.g., expression of anger or guilt) | Many people feel that way…what might help you come to terms with this? | |
| Defensive/Rejecting Response | It sounds like you’re uncomfortable that I brought this up. What I’m really interested in is how you are coping…can you tell me about that? | |
| Continue to explore further as indicated. | I see. Can you tell me more (about….)? | |
| Inquire about ways of finding meaning and a sense of peace. | Is there some way in which you are able to find a sense of meaning or peace in the midst of this? | |
| Inquire about resources. | Whom do you have to talk to about this/these concerns? | |
| Offer assistance as appropriate and available. | Perhaps we can arrange for you to talk to someone./There’s a support group I can suggest./There are some reading materials in the waiting room. | |
| Bring inquiry to a close. | I appreciate you discussing these issues with me. May I ask about it again? | |
References
- Kristeller JL, Rhodes M, Cripe LD, et al.: Oncologist Assisted Spiritual Intervention Study (OASIS): patient acceptability and initial evidence of effects. Int J Psychiatry Med 35 (4): 329-47, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
