Integrating Spirituality as a Key Component of Patient Care

Abstract

Patient care frequently focuses on physical aspects of disease management, with variable attention given to spiritual needs. And yet, patients indicate that spiritual suffering adds to distress associated with illness. Spirituality, broadly defined as that which gives meaning and purpose to a person's life and connectedness to the significant or sacred, often becomes a central issue for patients. Growing evidence demonstrates that spirituality is important in patient care. Yet healthcare professionals (HCPs) do not always feel prepared to engage with patients about spiritual issues. In this project, HCPs attended an educational session focused on using the FICA Spiritual History Tool to integrate spirituality into patient care. Later, they incorporated the tool when caring for patients participating in the study. This research (1) explored the value of including spiritual history taking in clinical practice; (2) identified facilitators and barriers to incorporating spirituality into person-centred care; and (3) determined ways in which HCPs can effectively utilize spiritual history taking. Data were collected using focus groups and chart reviews. Findings indicate positive impacts at organizational, clinical/unit, professional/personal and patient levels when HCPs include spirituality in patient care. Recommendations are offered.

Developing Agreed and Accepted Understandings of Spirituality and Spiritual Care Concepts among Members of an Innovative Spirituality Interest Group in the Republic of Ireland

“…Internationally, most nurses agree that they provide spiritual care as part of their nursing practice [29][30][31] although many are unprepared and may lack supporting education for the assessment or provision of such care [2,31]. The only study conducted in the ROI revealed similar findings [29].…”

“…However, even in the presence of recognition of the need for more guidance in the UK, the new NMC Code of Nursing Conduct [23] makes no reference to the spiritual dimension of healthcare [24]. While there is some agreement that spirituality needs to form part of the undergraduate curriculum, approaches vary and significant gaps exist in educational provision [24][25][26][27][28][29]. Internationally, there is a growing belief that professional nurses and midwives need direction regarding spiritual care [30].…”

The Effect of Prayer on Patients’ Health: Systematic Literature Review

“…The literature suggests that prayer is recognised as a complementary intervention or alternative therapy identified by healthcare professionals as adequate treatment for religious/spiritual disturbances or concerns, because patients considered it significant when it was used [39]. In a holistic paradigm and patient centered care all patients' dimensions should be considered and all needs should be addressed, and this is often included in professional ethical codes and main health policies.…”

History, Culture and Traditions: The Silent Spaces in the Study of Spirituality at the End of Life

“…The first approach acknowledges the spiritual distress patients experience and considers spiritual care as one of the components of care provided for the whole person [34]. It demands a spiritual care plan to be part of the treatment plan for every patient.…”