HUMAN RIGHTS, BIOETHICS, AND SPIRITUALITY IN INTEGRAL PATIENT HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Contextualization: At the beginning of human history, there was 
a clear interconnection between science and religion. However, 
events in modern Western society created a division between 
them and the segmentation of patient care. Problem: Studies 
show that neglecting the patient’s spiritual needs leads to 
dissatisfaction with received care. They also prove that support 
for their beliefs correlates with better health outcomes. 
Objective: To understand the correlation and benefits of 
integrating spirituality into patient care, assess whether there is 
support in Human Rights and Bioethics ensuring its practice, and 
examine the training of professionals. Method: Exploratory 
research based on the analysis of high-quality scientific literature 
on the subject. Results: It was observed that in environments 
where spirituality is relevant, there is a better quality of life, 
improved health, and greater longevity. The World Health 
Organization (WHO) recognizes spirituality as valuable for 
individual quality of life and supports it through Human Rights 
and Bioethics. Thus, Brazil has already implemented laws and 
health policies promoting its practice. Conclusions: In a society 
where Human Rights and Bioethics prevail, ensuring individual 
autonomy and aspirations is essential, making it inconceivable to 
offer patient care based solely on biological aspects. However, 
despite existing health laws and policies, the spiritual dimension 
remains neglected in patient care due to prejudice, 
misinformation, and the need for further studies demonstrating 
spirituality’s effectiveness as a predictor of health risks. 
Nevertheless, the findings of this article highlight sufficient 
benefits supporting the importance of patient spirituality and the 
training of healthcare professionals in this practice.