Addressing Religion in Secular Healthcare: Existential Communication and the Post-Secular Negotiation

This article aims to understand why religion has proven difficult address in secular healthcare, although existential communication is important for patients’ health and wellbeing. Two qualitative data samples exploring healthcare were analyzed following Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, leading the development of analytical constructs ‘the secular’ non-secular’. The differentiation non-secular as different spheres individual be situated offers a nuanced understanding physician–patient meeting, with implications communication. We conceptualize post-secular negotiation attempt through activities healthcare. Employment enables an approach where non-secular, including religion, can addressed part life without compromising professional grounding presents potential further research, clinical practice, benefit patients.