At a Given Moment – recognising worldview as part of a healthy diagnosis

CMF member Dr Graham McAll has worked as a general surgeon and inner city GP. In a timely new book, At A Given Moment, he uses personal anecdotes and reflections from around the world to show the value of understanding the patient’s worldview and spiritual background.

Dr McAll wants doctors to feel free to address all the angles of a patient’s problem in medical consultations. Problems divide into physical, social, psychological and spiritual, he says.

‘The spiritual angle – the worldview of the patient – is often ignored. The question is how to bring that into the consultation so the patient feels free to express concerns about their worldview angle on the problem.’

Worldview effects whether a patient will seek treatment – they might opt instead for herbal remedies or a visit to an Imam. It also effects whether they continue with treatment: religious food laws might stop a patient continuing their treatment, for example.

Many practitioners in the UK are not happy to address a patient’s worldview, says Dr McAll. ‘People with no faith are worried about undermining someone’s onhealthy diflucan faith by mentioning it and people with faith are worried that they are going to get into trouble for talking about faith.’

Here’s a video of Graham speaking about his book:

In his book Dr McAll uses anecdotes and examples to show how healthcare professionals of any faith and none can develop the skills to address spiritual needs when considering a patient’s medical history.

He says, ‘My hope for this book is that we will get rid of the fear that healthcare professionals have about addressing worldview issues. I’m not just talking about Christians or Muslims sharing their faith with patients, I’m talking about all professionals having the freedom to explore these issues without fear and, of course, with the patient’s permission – and if the patient doesn’t want to talk about it, then that’s fine. It’s their consultation.’

At A Given Moment can be ordered online. The Christian Medical Fellowship, which has published the book, also offers Saline Solution courses to help equip medical practitioners to address the needs of the whole person. 

Posted by Dr Peter Saunders

CMF Chief Executive