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Incorporating Spirituality in Primary Care

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Abstract

Addressing cultural competency in health care involves recognizing the diverse characteristics of the patient population and understanding how they impact patient care. Spirituality is an aspect of cultural identity that has become increasingly recognized for its potential to impact health behaviors and healthcare decision-making. We consider the complex relationship between spirituality and health, exploring the role of spirituality in primary care, and consider the inclusion of spirituality in existing models of health promotion. We discuss the feasibility of incorporating spirituality into clinical practice, offering suggestions for physicians.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, The City College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 160 Convent Ave, North Academic Center, Rm 7/120, New York, NY, 10031, USA

    Kathleen S. Isaac

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA

    Jennifer L. Hay

  3. Department of Community Health and Social Medicine, The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, The City College of New York, New York, NY, USA

    Erica I. Lubetkin

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  1. Kathleen S. Isaac
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Correspondence to Kathleen S. Isaac.

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Isaac, K.S., Hay, J.L. & Lubetkin, E.I. Incorporating Spirituality in Primary Care. J Relig Health 55, 1065–1077 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-016-0190-2

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