Dietetic interns’ perception on inclusion of spirituality in dietetic counselling
Emerging evidence suggest that it is time to examine whether future healthcare professionals are learning to address religious or spiritual issues in discipline-appropriate ways. Current research suggests that health outcomes are positively related to patients’ religious or spiritual beliefs. As suc...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2018
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/66032/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/66032/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/66032/1/MDA%20Congress%202018%20_%20Abstract%20Submission%20-%20%5BReference%20Number%20210%5D%20Wan%20Nur%20Syifa.pdf |
| Summary: | Emerging evidence suggest that it is time to examine whether future healthcare professionals are learning to address religious or spiritual issues in discipline-appropriate ways. Current research suggests that health outcomes are positively related to patients’ religious or spiritual beliefs. As such, discussing spirituality issues with patient may become an area of interest among dietetics intern as well as dietitian. The aim of the present study is to explore the perception and readiness of dietetics interns undergoing clinical practice, in discussing spirituality issues during counselling session with patients.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among respondents from all local universities offering dietetics program. A self-administered questionnaire using google form was distributed online.
A total of 56 dietetics interns (8 males and 48 females) responded to survey in the stipulated period. They are 51 Muslims, 2 Christians, 2 Buddhists and 1 Hindu. Among them, 66.1% reported to have attended formal religious education. Result shows that 85.7% of the dietetic interns strongly agreed that faith is important for them while 5.4% strongly disagreed. In talking to someone regarding spiritual issues, 60.7% said they would not have problem doing so. Almost half (48.2%) of dietetic interns admitted that they do advised their patients to look to God for strength, support, and guidance during crises. Majority, 78.6% believe that spirituality do play a role in helping patients coping with their illnesses and 73.2% were willing to talk about religion and spirituality with their patient when asked. Those who believe that faith is important, would feel more comfortable asking patients about spiritual issues (r=0.290, p<0.05); and more likely to talk about religion and spirituality when asked by patient (r=0.273, p<0.05).
The result shows that the interns are ready to include spirituality during counselling. The perceived barrier is lack of training and time constraint |
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