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Integrating Spirituality And Medical Education: What Students And Teachers Have To Say - A Qualitative Study, Sharon N. Hatcher

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Aims

This thesis explored the perceptions of medical students and teachers with regards to spirituality, its role in health care, and its integration into medical education.

Methods

Two studies were conducted using qualitative descriptive thematic analysis: the first using focus groups with students; and the second depth interviews with teachers. Both studies were carried out in Francophone Canada.

Findings

Teachers spoke of a concept of spirituality evolving as a journey, while students reported sudden turning-points. Both regarded spirituality as important to patient care. Students were struggling with their future physician role and their commitment to rationality, whereas …