Challenges and requirements of spiritual health education for medical students: A qualitative study

In recent years the concept of spiritual health in medical education in the world has been considered, while in Iran this issue has not been considered as it should be. Therefore, the need to integrate the spiritual health approach in the medical education system is felt as a priority. The aim of this study was to investigate and explain the views of professors of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences about the challenges and requirements of spiritual health in the education of medical students.

In this study, qualitative content analysis and semi-structured interviews with six faculty members of the University of Medical Sciences were used. The interviews were analyzed using the Granheim and Landman method.

In data analysis, 3 classes and 14 subclasses were extracted. The needs of spiritual health education include patients' need for spiritual health, the impact of spirituality on peace and mental health, the universality of spiritual care, and the worship of the patient from the perspective of Islam. The category of spiritual health education challenges includes cultural, patient, educational, functional, student, faculty, and policy challenges. The requirements of spiritual health education include practical guide design, curriculum design, and platform for spiritual health.

Based on this study, it seems that spiritual health education for medical students is essential. There are several challenges at different levels of spiritual health education for these students. In this regard, the design of a practical guide, curriculum design and bedding for spiritual health will probably help to implement thisissue.