Patients needing to discuss religion should be referred to the specialists

摘要

Does religion have a place in health care? Your readers panel says it does (Reflections January 14), but it is somewhere 'where angels may fear to tread'. I agree. Religion and spirituality are a minefield of complex emotions, feelings and beliefs, and should be kept quite separate from the nursing/medical side of patient care. Just as we go to a specialist when we have broken a bone or have undiagnosed pain or bleeding, when patients need to discuss religion or ask questions such as 'What is the meaning of my life now?', they are best referred to the specialists - the chaplains.