Spiritual Beliefs and Medical Care

You're asked to share a lot of information with your doctor-details about your diet, your exercise routine, and your aches and pains. But have you ever been asked about your spiritual beliefs?

Your spiritual beliefs can affect your health care decisions. Your beliefs can also play a significant role in how you manage stress and cope with illness. If you'd like to talk with your doctor about your spiritual beliefs, try these tips.
¤  Take the first step. Bring up the topic even if your doctor      doesn't.
¤  Be direct. If your're unsure how to open the conversation, simply      say, "My spiritual beliefs are very important to me. I'd like to  discuss how my beliefs relate to my medical care with you or an other staff member. Can we discuss this now?"
¤ Make time. Make a special appointment to discuss your spiritual  beliefs with a member of your health care team if there's not  enough time during your routine appointment.
¤ If you have a living will, give a copy to your doctor. You may  also choose to write a few paragraphs about your beliefs to add to  your medical records.
¤ If you don't have the opportunity to talk with your doctor,  consider talking to your doctor's nurse or ask about a referral  to a chaplain. Other members of the health care team may be  available and have special skills in helping you make sure your  spiritual beliefs are included in your health care decisions.

Are your spiritual or religious beliefs a source of strength, hope,  comfort or peace for you?
Are there spiritual practices, such as prayer or meditation, that are  important to you?

If you're part of an organized religion, what role does it play in  your health care planning and decisions?
Are you concerned about conflicts between your beliefs and your  medical care?
Is there a way your doctor can help address your spiritual needs?
Do you adhere to any restrictions, such as dietary limitations, that  your doctor should know about when providing medical care?
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Due to the new privacy laws regarding health information, the hospital will not release the names of patients. So if you are going into the hospital, or know someone who is hospitalized, please call the church office, or let Pastor Tina know.
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