|
Praise for the previous edition
"Harold Koenig, M.D., in a short and eminently readable style, outlines how
important spirituality can be in treating the whole person. He gives clear
definitions of religious coping, spiritual assessment, transference and countertransference,
and boundaries to care. Dr. Koenig has a deep respect for people's
religious beliefs and a belief, buttressed by rigorous research studies, that religion
is good for your health. Koenig also has a deep respect for chaplains, whom he
considers 'experts' in spirituality."—Journal of the American Medical Association
This landmark handbook for health professionals interested in identifying
and addressing the spiritual needs of patients has been significantly revised and
expanded. Over the past five years, since the first edition was written, there has
been increased research on the relationships among religion, spirituality, and health,
and further discussions on the application of these findings to clinical practice.
Every section of the book has been rewritten and updated with current research.
"I think this version will be my most important contribution to the field of
spirituality and health," says Dr. Koenig. "Every bit of what I know about the integration
of spirituality into clinical practice, learned over twenty years, is contained
in this book."
Koenig addresses the whys, hows, whens, and whats of patient-centered
integration of spirituality into patient care, including details on the health-related
sacred traditions for each major religious group. He provides healthcare professionals
with the training necessary to screen patients sensitively and competently for
spiritual needs, begin to communicate with patients about these issues, and learn
when to refer patients to trained spiritual-care professionals who can competently
address spiritual needs.
New sections specifically address mental-health professionals, nurses, chaplains
and pastoral counselors, social workers, and occupational and physical therapists.
A ten-session model course curriculum on spirituality and healthcare for medical
students and residents is provided, with suggestions on how to adapt it for the
training of nurses, social workers, and rehabilitation specialists.
Features
- A practical handbook for physicians, medical
students, and residents seeking guidance on
integrating spirituality into patient care in a
clear easy-to-use format
- Offers a multifaith approach to integrating
spirituality into patient care
- Includes key resources for medical professionals
to develop further skills in this significant area
Author Information
Book Reviews
|
