Current status of teaching on spirituality in UK medical schools

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the current status of teaching on spirituality in medicine in UK medical schools and to establish if and how medical schools are preparing future doctors to identify patients' spiritual needs.

Methods: We carried out a national questionnaire survey using a 2-part questionnaire. Section A contained questions relating to the quantity of teaching on spirituality and the topics covered. Section B contained questions relating to teaching on alternative health practices. Medical educators from each of the 32 medical schools in the UK were invited to participate.

Results: A response rate of 53% (n = 17) was achieved. A total of 59% (n = 10) of respondents stated that there is teaching on spirituality in medicine in their curricula. On extrapolation, at least 31% and a maximum of 78% of UK medical schools currently provide some form of teaching on spirituality. Of the respondents that teach spirituality, 50% (n = 5) stated that their schools include compulsory teaching on spirituality in medicine, 80% (n = 8) include optional components, and 88% stated that teaching on complementary and alternative medicine is included in the curriculum.

Conclusions: Although 59% (n = 10) of respondent medical schools (the actual UK figure lies between 31% and 78%) currently provide some form of teaching on spirituality, there is significant room for improvement. There is little uniformity between medical schools with regard to content, form, amount or type of staff member delivering the teaching. It would be beneficial to introduce a standardised curriculum on spirituality across all UK medical schools.