Training of the spiritual dimension of health in India – an innovative ‘thought model’ approach

Abstract

Abstract Background The complexities in defining Spirituality, its association with religions, and misfit in modern scientific healthcare settings are the reasons behind the neglected attitude in training of spiritual dimension of health in religiously diverse and secular India. Objectives To define spirituality independent from religious views and scientifically sound for modern healthcare practices in a diverse society of India. For this, a 'Thought Model' developed with spirituality as the most evolved thought in the form of humanity and human values with transcendence, connectedness, and purpose of human life, which works as a controlling, communicating, and correcting thought in the ecosystem of human thought processes. Review and testing with healthcare professionals (completed in Nov 2019), leading to few pilot projects (in progress till Sept 2020), and finally working with academia to finetune it for training curricula for health systems. Results The 'thought model' presented to health experts from July to October 2019. 98% [80 out of 82(N)] considered this simple, comfortable to belief systems, and practice. 96% found it helpful in solving the issues where the physician and patient or the members of the medical team are from different religions. 99% considered this model scientific and useful in responding to the spiritual needs of all, including atheists. So, we planned to start a pilot project in two selected medical institutions for medical interns with the new session; results are awaiting. Conclusions Review results by health experts indicated that the 'thought model' can address the complexities and ambiguities in defining spirituality on religious grounds by simplifying its definition and independent of religious beliefs for the training of the spiritual dimension of health and healthcare in diverse and secular societies makes it easy to discuss spiritual aspects of health in communities with various religions and belief systems. Key messages Religiosity makes spirituality complex, communal, and unscientific in religiously diverse societies leading to reluctance in public health practices and training. Simplifying spirituality as an evolved thought can change the perspective by abolishing religiosity; it becomes comfortable with belief systems and science and suitable for training and research.