When Religion and Medicine Collide

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- How does a doctor deal with a patient’s religious concerns about a treatment? A new study gives a glimpse into this conflict and reveals what doctors think and how they respond.

For the research, study authors from the University of Chicago conducted one-on-one, in-depth interviews with 21 doctors. They looked at the way doctors negotiated medical treatments for patients who opposed them for religious reasons. They also looked at how doctors balanced their beliefs with respect for the patient’s beliefs.

The study shows physicians are less frustrated by clear-cut religious beliefs, such as a Jehovah’s Witness who cannot have blood transfusions. However, they were more disturbed by different worldviews, such as patients or families who insist life in any form is better than death and demand aggressive treatment no matter what. However, doctors were most aggravated by patients who insist on relying on prayer or faith instead of effective treatments.

The research also reveals three strategies doctors use to deal with these difficult situations: First, physicians encourage patients to think of prayer as one part of their treatment. If that doesn’t work, they tell patients therapy is something provided by God. If that fails, doctors then may turn to the patient’s religious community such as family members or clergy.

Researchers say although most physicians try to remain neutral when medical and religious conflict arise, it is not always possible. They say instead of being neutral, doctors should try a candid, respectful dialogue approach to work with patients.

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SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, 2005;165:88-91