Deconstructing spiritual care: Discursive underpinnings within palliative care research

Abstract

Religion and spirituality are integral to the philosophy of palliative care, shaping its approach to spiritual care. This article aims to examine the discourses within palliative care research to illuminate prevailing assumptions regarding spiritual care. Eighteen original articles were analyzed to examine how spiritual care is understood within palliative care. The analysis, informed by Foucault, aimed to identify recurring discourses. The finding reveals that, in palliative care research, spirituality is viewed as enigmatic yet inherently human and natural, assuming that every individual has a spiritual dimension. The analysis points to healthcare professionals being expected to hold certain qualities to put spiritual care into practice. The analysis also reveals that in the analyzed articles, the concept of spiritual care is rooted in a Christian context, with the belief that all individuals possess inherent spirituality or religiosity, a concept often associated with Christian theology. The included articles often utilize theological terms and emphasize a monotheistic viewpoint. Spirituality is articulated as a complex, distinct concept, challenging clear definitions and professional responsibilities. Further, a moral formation of healthcare professionals is described, interpelling and ascribing qualities that healthcare professionals need to provide spiritual care.

Development and Validity and Reliability of an Instrument to Assess Patient’s Spiritual Well-Being

“…In palliative care, respecting patients’ religious beliefs and providing spiritual care has become the norm in the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of medical care. 38 , 39 Although the medical model for patients also uses the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model to provide medical treatment, it pays less attention to spiritual care, and there is not enough research on the relationship between religion and spiritual care. This study found that there are statistical differences in the lower spiritual well-being of patients with different religious beliefs, especially among the large number of patients with Taoist and folk beliefs.…”