Spirituality in patient care

By Harold George Koenig

Book Description

For healthcare professionals seeking to care for the whole person rather than merely treating symptoms, this comprehensive guide offers a bridge between medical practice and spiritual wellness. Harold G. Koenig presents a thoroughly researched approach to recognizing and addressing the spiritual dimensions of patient care, drawing from an expanding body of evidence connecting spirituality and health outcomes.

This practical resource moves beyond theory to provide concrete guidance on integrating spiritual awareness into clinical practice. Healthcare providers across multiple disciplines will discover profession-specific strategies tailored for physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, social workers, and therapists. The book addresses essential questions about when, how, and why to incorporate spiritual considerations into patient interactions while maintaining professional boundaries.

Readers will find culturally sensitive approaches for working with diverse religious backgrounds, along with real-world case studies that demonstrate effective integration techniques. The author acknowledges potential challenges and limitations, offering balanced perspectives on both the benefits and appropriate boundaries of spiritually-informed care.

Beyond individual practice, the book includes a structured curriculum for training programs, making it valuable for educators preparing the next generation of healthcare providers. For professionals who recognize that healing encompasses more than physical treatment, this guide provides evidence-based methods for addressing patients' deeper needs for hope, meaning, and spiritual support during vulnerable times.