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ABSTRACT: Background
Recent data on the teaching of "spirituality and health" (S/H) in medical schools are needed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the current status of S/H teaching in Brazilian medical schools, the opinions of medical directors/deans on this topic and the factors associated with its incorporation into the curriculum.Methods
A nationwide cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2021. Information concerning the S/H content in the curricula of medical schools was obtained through medical school representatives and other sources. Medical school representatives were asked about their opinions of and barriers to S/H teaching. Regression models were used to evaluate the factors associated with the incorporation of such content into the curriculum.Results
Information on the incorporation of S/H content in medical curricula was retrieved from different sources for all 342 (100%) Brazilian medical schools. Among the representatives, 150 (43.9%) completed the online form. An increase in the S/H content in Brazilian medical schools was observed (from 40% to 2011 to 65.5% in 2021). Most medical school representatives agreed that this issue is important in medical training and that more space in the curriculum is needed. However, they also observed several barriers, such as a lack of knowledge of medical teachers/faculty, a lack of time, and the topic not being included in teaching plans. The most important factors that influenced the incorporation of S/H teaching in medical schools and representatives' opinions were a lack of time and knowledge, professor preparedness and standardized national competency requirements.Conclusion
These results could help medical educators rethink the incorporation of S/H content into their curricula.
SUBMITTER: Lucchetti G
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10029158 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Lucchetti Giancarlo G de Araujo Almeida Paulo Othavio PO Martin Elena Zuliani EZ Góes Leonardo Garcia LG Cotta Keylla Cássia Gomes KCG Lima Andressa Correia AC da Silva Ezequiel Oscarina O Lucchetti Alessandra Lamas Granero ALG
BMC medical education 20230320 1
<h4>Background</h4>Recent data on the teaching of "spirituality and health" (S/H) in medical schools are needed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the current status of S/H teaching in Brazilian medical schools, the opinions of medical directors/deans on this topic and the factors associated with its incorporation into the curriculum.<h4>Methods</h4>A nationwide cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2021. Information concerning the S/H content in the curricula of medical schools was obt ...[more]