Teaching spirituality to Canadian medical students: students’ perceptions of a spiritual history taking clinical skills session

Tsz Ying So; Kyung Young Kim; Emily Kornelsen; Emily Brubaker-Zehr; Joyce Nyhof-Young

doi:10.36834/cmej.76347

Teaching spirituality to Canadian medical students: students’ perceptions of a spiritual history taking clinical skills session

Authors

Tsz Ying So University of Toronto https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3595-3942
Kyung Young Kim University of Toronto https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4807-8942
Emily Kornelsen University of Ottawa
Emily Brubaker-Zehr McMaster University
Joyce Nyhof-Young Women’s College Hospital https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9949-9486

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.76347

Abstract

Implication Statement

Spirituality involves one’s sense of purpose, connection with others, and ability to find meaning in life. We implemented a three-year pilot of a spiritual history taking (SHT) clinical skills session. In small groups, medical students discussed and practiced SHT with clinical scenarios and the FICA framework and received preceptor and peer feedback. Post-session focus groups and interviews demonstrated student perceptions of improved comfort, knowledge, and awareness of discussing spirituality with patients. This innovation may support improved clinical skills teaching across other health professions institutions to better prepare students to recognize patients’ spiritual needs and provide more holistic, culturally competent care.

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Author Biographies

Tsz Ying So, University of Toronto

Contributed equally as first author

Kyung Young Kim, University of Toronto

Contributed equally as first author

References

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Published

2023-05-30

How to Cite

So TY, Kim KY, Kornelsen E, Brubaker-Zehr E, Nyhof-Young J. Teaching spirituality to Canadian medical students: students’ perceptions of a spiritual history taking clinical skills session. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2023 May 30 [cited 2024 Nov. 18];14(5):105-7. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/76347

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Issue

Vol. 14 No. 5 (2023)

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