A qualitative study of physicians' views on compassionate patient care and spirituality: medicine as a spiritual practice?

BACKGROUND Compassion and compassion fatigue are discussed in the medical literature. However, few studies address physicians and none examine physicians' spiritual beliefs related to their provision of compassionate care. METHODS This in-depth, qualitative interview study explores practicing physicians' views regarding the relationship between compassion and spirituality in medical practice. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the immersion/crystallization method. RESULTS Despite diversity of personal spiritual beliefs, all study physicians felt compassion was "essential for a physician." Most linked compassion to underlying spiritual values (religious and secular). Many physicians saw medicine as providing opportunities for them to grow in compassion, essentially employing medicine as a spiritual discipline. Significant barriers to compassionate care included time pressures and values of the current culture of medicine. Facilitators included time for self-care. CONCLUSION Physicians value compassion, linking it to spiritual values and self-care, but identify challenges in daily practice. Further study is needed to explore how to support physicians' provision of compassionate care and prevent burnout.