An Overview of Spiritual Health and Experts` Viewpoints Concerning the Role of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Its Excellence in Community

• Main Authors: Ali Akbar Haghdoost, Bagher Larijani, Mohammad Hossein Nicknam, Reza Dehnavieh, monireh balochi, khalil kalavani
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences 2021-06-01
• Series: Rāhburdhā-yi Mudīriyyat dar Niẓām-i Salāmat
• Subjects: spiritual health; health dimensions; spirituality; ministry of health
• Online Access: http://mshsj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-418-en.html

The spiritual dimension of health is the subject of much controversy; since it is not seen as a purely scientific and quantifiable aspect of health. However, it is exactly this quality of spiritual health that makes the thorough examination of the concept worthwhile. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of the theoretical concepts associated with it should be prioritized. The present study is a combination of a literature review followed by a series of expert interviews. First, articles addressing the different aspects of spiritual health were identified and acquired from academic databases. After a thorough assessment and evaluation, the findings were listed and prioritized in order to determine the most important aspects of spiritual health. Then, the most significant features were specified and interpreted. The interpretations were then sent to a group of experts for assessment and evaluation. The expert reviews and comments were then collected and analyzed in order to refine and improve the primary interpretations. The responsibilities of the health sector do not end with the provision and maintenance of the physical aspects of health or even the non-medical population. It includes not only promoting spiritual health in health sector graduates and personnel, but also conducting profound scientific studies, providing documentation, and interpreting the evidence for beneficiaries. However, establishing a new university major to train professionals exclusively for pursuing this objective and even adding new university credits in this field does not seem to be necessary from the point of view of experts and studies. In addition to providing the education necessary for students and personnel of each organization, providing adequate spiritual health and promoting the essential education and related skills are also the responsibilities of the health sector. Instead, it is suggested that an active secretariat be established to oversee the promotion of spiritual health in all sectors using the minimum independent facilities and manpower.