Spirituality in medicine.

Attending to the spiritual dimension of the patient can provide the physician with a more in-depth understanding of the patient and his or her needs. The physician may use a variety of spiritually informed therapeutic tools that can greatly facilitate the patient's coping ability, thus enhancing well being. Physicians' own religious or spiritual practices may impact upon their ability to function effectively in clinical practice. Specific suggestions are offered for attending to the spiritual aspects of the patient.