RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Is There a Shaman in the House?
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 794
OP 796
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2010.06.100064
VO 23
IS 6
A1 de Schweinitz, Peter
YR 2010
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/23/6/794.abstract
AB This nonfictional narrative recounts a story of shared decision making between a veteran neurosurgeon and the family of a comatose patient who had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. After reviewing the option of surgery within the context of informed consent, the family remains frozen in indecision. Leaving behind him the world of the rational, the neurosurgeon makes a statement that reconnects the family to their deepest values. The neurosurgeon is portrayed as a modern equivalent of a shaman. A call is made for consideration of the complex topic of spiritual engagement during patient care.