What do doctors understand by spiritual health? A survey of UK general practitioners

Background In the UK, doctors' regulatory and professional bodies require general practitioners (GPs) to consider discussing spiritual health as part of the consultation. However, spiritual health is not defined in guidance, and it is unknown what individual doctors understand by the term. Research question What do GPs understand by the term 'spiritual health'? Aim To explore how GPs understand and define spiritual health. Design and setting Survey of GPs in England 9 April 2019-21 May 2019. Method A mixed-methods online survey asked practising GPs in England qualitative free text questions-'What does the term 'Spiritual Health' mean to you?' and 'Any comments?' after five vignettes about discussing spiritual health with patients. These were subject to thematic analysis using a priori themes from the literature on GP definitions of spiritual health, and on attitudes towards the topic. Participants 177 practising GPs in England. Results 177 GPs responded to the survey. Understanding of spiritual health fitted into three themes: self-actualisation and meaning, transcendence and relationships beyond the self, and expressions of spirituality. A full range of views were expressed, from a minority who challenged their role in spiritual health, through to others enthusiastic about its place in healthcare. Conclusion Spirituality and religiosity are understood by English GPs to be distinct concepts. A consensus definition of spiritual health incorporating the themes identified by working doctors, may be helpful to support GPs to follow the recommended guidance in their practice.

Automated summary

In the UK, doctors are required to consider discussing spiritual health with patients, but there is no consensus on the definition of spiritual health among individual doctors. Through a survey of 177 GPs in England, it was found that their understanding of spiritual health can be categorized into themes of self-actualization and meaning, transcendence and relationships beyond the self, and expressions of spirituality. A consensus definition incorporating these themes may be helpful for GPs to implement recommended guidance in their practice.