A Qualitative Analysis of a Healthcare Professional's Understanding and Approach to Management of Spiritual Distress in an Acute Care Setting

Abstract

Despite spirituality being highlighted as important to care, few HCPs felt able to provide this, raising questions around how such care can be encouraged and developed in busy acute care settings.

Spirituality, Social Support, Pride, and Contentment as Differential Predictors of Resilience and Life Satisfaction in Emerging Adulthood

“…Spirituality involves finding meaning and purpose in relation to what is considered significant or sacred (Büssing et al, 2014;Piedmont, 1999); a personal belief system that helps a person "make sense" out of life (Fombuena et al, 2016;Selby, Seccaraccia, Huth, Kurrpa, & Fitch, 2016). Spirituality and religiosity are multi-dimensional, overlapping constructs (Koenig, 2012;Saroglou, 2014) and are often interwoven in research.…”

How Should Clinicians Respond to Requests from Patients to Participate in Prayer?

“…[14][15] Believing the question is outside their expertise, worrying that they will say the wrong thing, or having discordant beliefs regarding religion, physicians are not sure what to say. 3,7,16,17 Moreover, physicians do not want to lie or misrepresent their spiritual beliefs. 8,16,17 Finally, physicians might even be reluctant to offer to refer to a chaplain, as Dr. Q does, because it might be heard by the patient as reflecting the clinician's discomfort and as attempting to avoid the topic.…”

“…3,7,16,17 Moreover, physicians do not want to lie or misrepresent their spiritual beliefs. 8,16,17 Finally, physicians might even be reluctant to offer to refer to a chaplain, as Dr. Q does, because it might be heard by the patient as reflecting the clinician's discomfort and as attempting to avoid the topic. How can Dr. Q respond in a way that is true to her religious views and builds a stronger relationship with Mrs. C?…”

“…7,8,16,17 First, Dr. Q might be ill at ease because Mrs. C is asking her to reveal more about her private life than she is comfortable with. 21 …”

Initial Spiritual Screening and Assessment: Five Things to Remember

“…However, there is evidence that many nurses do not screen for or assess patient spirituality (7). Reasons for this finding may include a perceived lack of time; privacy; ability, skill, or knowledge; and a lack of understanding about what spiritual care is and the appropriateness of including spiritual care within nursing care (8)(9)(10). Many nurses never receive training on how to conduct spiritual screenings or assessments.…”