Addressing spirituality in hospice: Current practices and a proposed role for transpersonal social work

Wisdom in quiet observation: hospice palliative social work

“…Interacting with patients at EOL provides an environment steeped in existential questioning of one's faith and understanding of the life and death cycle as "human beings have a desire to transcend hardship and suffering" (Kellehear, 2000, p. 150). A social worker, in the initial assessment of a patient will collect pertinent information regarding religious and spiritual practices yet may feel that they are not in a position to offer spiritual interventions (Reese, 2001;Reese & Raymer, 2004). A social worker, however, is in a position to support religious and spiritual beliefs of a dying person, as social work has "made claims about the 'pastoral' origins" (Kellehear, 2000, p. 154).…”

“…Reese (2001) also indicated patients may wish to discuss these experiences with hospice palliative professionals in order to acknowledge the experience and alleviate fear of the unknown. Furthermore, interventions regarding spirituality may include "reminiscing and life review" (Reese, 2001, p. 144).…”

“…Reese (2001) also indicated patients may wish to discuss these experiences with hospice palliative professionals in order to acknowledge the experience and alleviate fear of the unknown. Furthermore, interventions regarding spirituality may include "reminiscing and life review" (Reese, 2001, p. 144). Sermabeikian (1994 argues "spiritual bias can be just as harmful as racism or sexism" (p. 179), and Gilligan and Furness (2006) indicate many "social work professionals are inadequately prepared to undertake spiritually competent work with client and advocate the inclusion of relevant material within the social work curriculum" (p. 633).…”

“…Sermabeikian (1994 argues "spiritual bias can be just as harmful as racism or sexism" (p. 179), and Gilligan and Furness (2006) indicate many "social work professionals are inadequately prepared to undertake spiritually competent work with client and advocate the inclusion of relevant material within the social work curriculum" (p. 633). Reese (2001) believes that spirituality can be addressed by both student and practitioner and suggests the following areas need to be examined in order for social work to support spiritual interventions:…”

“…In order to serve hospice palliative patients in a holistic manner, spirituality of both the patient and the worker must be acknowledged and examined (Carroll, 1998;Reese, 2001). Gilligan and Furness (2006) suggest a social worker must have an "understanding and appreciation of the impact of faith and belief" (p. 617).…”