Paediatric oncologists are likely to accept religion as a resort when medicine has failed the patient, according to a new study.

In a novel Brandeis University study, researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 30 paediatricians and paediatric oncologists at elite medical centres.

They discovered that physicians tend to view religion and spirituality pragmatically, considering them resources in family decision-making and in end of life situations, and barriers when they conflict with medical decisions, said lead author Wendy Cadge.

Paediatricians, more than paediatric oncologists, say that religion is outside the purview, or boundary, of their profession, most likely because they deal primarily with healthy children.

On the other hand paediatric oncologists say that religion can help families cope with a dying child or an unfavorable medical outcome, said Cadge.

"Physicians view religion and spirituality as a barrier when it impedes medical recommendations and as a bridge when it helps families answer questions medicine inherently cannot," wrote the authors.

Only one physician in the study directly asked patients and their families about religion and spirituality regularly.

The other paediatricians said that direct conversations about religion were either not relevant or too personal, drawing a clear boundary between public and private that puts religion on the private side of the line.

Still, religion and spirituality almost always come up when medical treatment fails to cure the patient.

One physician explained, "The old adage that there are very few nonbelievers in fox holes applies in this setting also."