Impact of spirituality and religiousness on outcomes in patients with ALS

The Project of Death in America Study at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Cent er enrolled 121 patients with ALS from 1996 through 1997, 46 of whom partic ipated in a study assessing the effects of religiousness and spirituality ( attachment to life, mental health, support group, health care proxy, and at titudes toward death) on outcomes (technology and death). Spirituality or r eligion influenced use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, noninvasive assisted ventilation, tracheotomy, and attitudes toward the dying process.