Physicians and patient spirituality: Professional boundaries, competency, and ethics

Clinical studies are beginning to clarify how spirituality and religion can contribute to the coping strategies of many patients with severe, chronic, and terminal conditions. The ethical aspects of physician attention to the spiritual and religious dimensions of patients' experiences of illness req uire review and discussion. Should the physician discuss spiritual issues w ith his or her patients? What are the boundaries between the physician and patient regarding these issues? What are the professional boundaries betwee n the physician and the chaplain? This article examines the physician-patie nt relationship and medical ethics at a time when researchers are beginning to appreciate the spiritual aspects of coping with illness.