Patient wishes and physician inquiries regarding spiritual needs in an urban cancer center

8630 Background: Prior studies have shown much interest in spirituality among patients in the rural South, but little is known about the spiritual needs and views of urban cancer patients. Methods: In Jan-Feb 2005, consecutive outpatients were asked to complete a questionnaire at the St. Vincent’s Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York City. The instrument included the QUEST satisfaction scale, demographic and clinical information, and questions about spiritual and religious beliefs and needs. Tests of association included correlation, t-tests, and χ2. Multivariate models were estimated using logistic techniques. Results: Of the 891 eligible patients, 81 refused, 428 cancelled their appointments or left before being approached. 13 were excluded because of incomplete questionnaires. The 369 participants had a mean age of 57.5 years; 65% were women, 67% white, 65% college-educated, 32% had breast cancer, and 67% were privately insured. Forty-seven percent were Catholic, 19% Jewish, 16% Protestant, and 6% atheist or agnostic. Sixty-six percent reported being “spiritual but not religious,” and 29% attended religious services at least once per week. Nine percent reported that staff had inquired about their spiritual or religious beliefs (0.6% by an MD), and 6% reported inquiries about their spiritual needs (0.9% by an MD). But, 82% reported that their spiritual needs were being met, and being asked about neither religious beliefs (p = .37) nor spiritual needs (p = .72) was associated with satisfaction. Still, 52% thought it appropriate for physicians to inquire about their religious beliefs and 58% thought it appropriate for physicians to inquire about their spiritual needs. Patients who described themselves as “spiritual but not religious” were less likely to think it appropriate for an MD to inquire about their religious beliefs (OR = 0.48, CI = 0.28 to 0.84), while those who attended religious services at least weekly were more likely to think it appropriate (OR = 2.86, CI = 1.45 to 5.62). Conclusions: A majority of patients thought it appropriate to be asked about their spiritual and religious beliefs and needs, but less than that reported in other settings. Few had these needs addressed by staff, especially by MDs. More religious patients were more likely to think such inquiries appropriate. No significant financial relationships to disclose.