Abstract
Purpose: To understand spiritual beliefs and practices of health care providers and to study their opinion regarding the role of spiritual health in day to day patient care. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among health personnel in the north Indian city of Chandigarh. 78 clinicians and 94 Para-medical personnel participated in the study. Results: Whereas 62% agreed to the existence of a spiritual dimension to health, 20% attached primacy to spiritual health, placing it above medical wellness. 59% of respondents felt that the spiritually healthy coped better with their illness and 86.05%, felt that a spiritual caregiver can provide better patient care.60.47% also believed that it was important for caregivers to have a spiritual orientation. Conclusion & Recommendations: Most healthcare personnel believe that a spiritually oriented doctor-patient dyad can fight more effectively against disease. There is considerable difference in understanding about spiritual dimension of health. A valid and reliable tool needs to be developed to assess spiritual well being of doctors and patients, which would be useful in populations of different faiths.
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