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. 2002 Winter;17(4):188-90.
doi: 10.1080/08858190209528835.

Medical school exposure to spirituality and response to a hypothetical cancer patient

John T Chibnall  1 , Joseph M Jeral, Michael Cerullo, John F Knorp, Paul N Duckro
Affiliations

Medical school exposure to spirituality and response to a hypothetical cancer patient

John T Chibnall et al. J Cancer Educ. 2002 Winter.

Abstract

Background: Spiritual and religious issues (SRI) in medical school curricula may promote psychosocial and spiritual sensitivity, but few data exist on this relationship.

Method: A questionnaire was administered to third-year medical students (response rate = 69.2%). Students indicated exposure to SRI and read a vignette about a hypothetical cancer patient.

Results: SRI exposure through lectures, small-group discussions, and physician modeling predicted, respectively, likelihood of extra attention toward the patient, conversing with the patient about dying, and praying with the patient.

Conclusions: Exposure to SRI in medical school may sensitize students to the psychosocial and spiritual needs of dying patients.

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