ITEMS OF INTEREST August 13, 2007 Issue

ITEMS OF INTEREST

with contributions from Melissa McEver, Jennifer Koons

DR. BRUCE LEIBERT makes no apologies for who he is: a devout, outspoken Christian doctor who asks to pray with patients and asks them about their spiritual beliefs. And many of his patients like him that way. "He is the most wonderful person to turn to he always prays with us, asks God to help us," said Grace, . . . who asked that her real name not be used. "It gives you a secure feeling that this is a man of God . . . he's such a spiritual person himself, and he believes in the help we receive from the Lord."

In the past, a clear boundary has existed between religion and medicine: chaplains and pastors visited hospitals to attend to patients' spiritual needs, while doctors and providers were expected to solely treat the physical. That line between faith and science is starting to blur, though, as more health providers and hospitals are incorporating spirituality into patient care. From Bible studies for healthcare workers to prayer time with patients to meditation classes at hospitals, faith is playing a more prominent role in the healthcare setting, and for a good reason, experts say. . . .

Patients seem to want to talk about spirituality and faith with their doctors, according to a 2004 survey that appeared in the Annals of Family Medicine. The survey found that 83 percent of respondents wanted their doctors to ask about their spiritual beliefs . . . . Leibert said his patients rarely turn down the chance to pray with him, when asked, He's prayed with people of all faiths and doesn't try to change their beliefs, he said. "I don't go into the office to change them I just go to love and care for patients," Leibert said.

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