Religiosity in primary care

I really enjoyed that the article “Religion in primary care. Let’s talk about it”¹ brought up the issue of religiosity in primary care, an area I am particularly interested in. I agree this is an area that remains neglected owing to the many reasons the article discussed,¹ especially the negative connotations that quickly come into the conversation with patients if there is any element of proselytizing. I myself remain committed to exploring the realm of spirituality in my personal life such that when I do have the occasion to bring up “spirituality” and related inquiry, there is really a neutral ground one can readily achieve if such discussions are approached with reverent curiosity in this very important realm of existence for any person so inclined. I even use a spirituality score (out of 10) to ask how a patient might be coping, which allows me to discuss spiritual strategies for those trials one inevitably needs to meet. With the proper accepted connection with a patient, there is then a much easier sense of comfort possible when meeting challenges that seem insurmountable by conventional, modern medical means. One does not expect to spend lengthy periods on this aspect, but leaves open to the patient further discussion and possible support from this angle. Interesting that in doing this, one really gains comfort oneself, as well as the ability to extend such comfort to the patient, a truly 2-way street.

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