Instruments for assessing the spiritual needs of cancer patients: A systematic review of psychometric properties

Abstract

Aims and ObjectivesTo identify available instruments for assessing cancer patients' spiritual needs and to examine their psychometric properties using the Consensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology.BackgroundCancer patients frequently have significant spiritual needs. The nurse plays an integral role in assessing the patient's spiritual needs as part of providing holistic care. It is crucial to assess these needs using appropriate and reliable instruments.DesignA systematic review based on COSMIN methodology.MethodsSeven electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, CNKI and WANFANG) were systematically searched from inception until 14 February 2023. Two authors independently screened eligible literature, extracted data and evaluated methodological and psychometric quality. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA checklist.ResultsSixteen studies have reported 16 different versions of the instruments. None of the instruments were properly assessed for all psychometric properties, nor were measurement error, responsiveness and cross‐cultural validity/measurement invariance reported. All of the instruments failed to meet the COSMIN quality criteria for content validity. The quality of evidence for structural validity and/or internal consistency in five instruments did not meet the COSMIN criteria. Eventually, five instruments were not recommended, and 11 were only weakly recommended.ConclusionInstruments to assess spiritual needs exhibited limited reliability and validity. The Spiritual Care Needs Scale is provisionally recommended for research and clinical settings, but its limitations regarding content validity and cross‐cultural application must be considered in practice. Future research should further revise the content of available instruments and comprehensively and correctly test their psychometric properties.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThe review findings will provide evidence for healthcare professionals to select instruments for recognising spiritual needs in cancer patients.No Patient or Public ContributionThis study is a systematic review with no patient or public participation.