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Kang KA, Kim SJ. Spiritual Care Expectations Among Cancer and Noncancer Patients With Life-Threatening Illnesses. Cancer Nurs 2024; 47:E269-E278. [PMID: 36867017 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spirituality is a core element in holistic nursing care. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the spiritual care expectations of cancer and noncancer patients with life-threatening illnesses. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify the spiritual care expectations of vulnerable patients with life-threatening illnesses. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS This study uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and data were collected from 232 patients. For quantitative data, we used the Nurse Spiritual Therapeutics Scale (NSTS), which comprises 20 items. Qualitative data were collected using an open-ended question. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t tests, 1-way analysis of variance, and item and factor analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS The mean score of spiritual care expectations ranged from 2.27 to 3.07. There was a significant difference in NSTS mean score between cancer and noncancer patients. In exploratory factor analysis, NSTS was extracted into 3 factors and items belonging to the 3 factors showed similarity between cancer and noncancer patients. Qualitative data using content analysis revealed the following 3 themes: "treat with respect," "religious support," and "comfort with presence." The 3 factors corresponded with 3 themes: factor I versus "treat with respect," factor II versus "religious ritual," and factor III versus "comfort with presence." CONCLUSIONS Spiritual care expectations of cancer and non-cancer patients with life-threatening illnesses were identified and the findings provide valuable data regarding the expectations of patients' spiritual care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Our findings emphasize integrating patient-reported outcomes with spiritual care to stimulate patient-centered care, thus promoting holistic palliative or end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ah Kang
- Author Affiliations: College of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul (Dr Kang); and School of Nursing, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea (Dr Kim)
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Lundberg E, Öhlén J, Dellenborg L, Ozanne A, Enstedt D. Deconstructing spiritual care: Discursive underpinnings within palliative care research. Nurs Inq 2024:e12622. [PMID: 38178543 DOI: 10.1111/nin.12622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Lundberg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Öhlén
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Palliative Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisen Dellenborg
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anneli Ozanne
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Enstedt
- Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Varela RP. Faith healing based on narratives of healing experiences: A psycho-spiritual interpretation. Explore (NY) 2023; 19:792-796. [PMID: 37286467 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated 216 individual transcripts of faith healing experiences drawn from the healing ministries of 2 Catholic priests in the Philippines. The accounts of these healing narratives were generously provided to the researcher in hard copies for analysis by the 2 Catholic priests. The narratives were individual stories of healing experiences and written voluntarily by the healees themselves. Five themes were extracted from the narratives, namely, sensation of warmth, feeling of lightness, electrifying sensation, feeling of heaviness, and a weeping episode. Further, the study was able to unfold four themes on spiritual coping, namely, empowering faith, letting God be in control, acceptance leading to renewal, and connectedness with God. Faith healing experience begins with multisensory-physiological changes (e.g., sensation of warmth, electrifying sensation, feeling of heaviness) leading to affective/emotional, changes (e.g., weeping moment and feeling of lightness) that occur simultaneously, or in succession as antecedent conditions that awaken or activate inner adaptive spiritual coping responses with illness such as empowering faith, God being in control, acceptance leading to renewal, and connectedness with God.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reynold P Varela
- Adamson University, College of Science, Department of Psychology, 900 San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines.
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Michael NG, Bobevski I, Georgousopoulou E, O'Callaghan CC, Clayton JM, Seah D, Kissane D. Unmet spiritual needs in palliative care: psychometrics of a screening checklist. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023; 13:e170-e176. [PMID: 33262122 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While studies in palliative care use measures of spirituality and religious belief, there have been few validation studies of a screening tool that identifies unmet spiritual needs. METHODS A multidisciplinary research team developed and examined the usefulness, reliability and validity of a 17-item Spiritual Concerns Checklist (SCC) as a screening tool for unmet spiritual needs. A cohort of patients recruited from three palliative care services in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia completed anonymous questionnaires. Factor structure and item response theory were used to examine its properties; concurrent validity employed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12). RESULTS Among 261 patients, while only 15% directly sought spiritual care, nearly 62% identified at least one spiritual concern. Existential needs (fear of the dying process 32%; loss of control 31%), regret (20%), need for forgiveness (17%), guilt (13%), loss of hope (13%) and meaning (15%) were prominent concerns. Eleven concerns were present for more than 10% of the participants and 25% of religiously orientated participants expressed >4 concerns. The 17-item SCC was unidimensional, with satisfactory reliability. Concurrent validity was evident in the reduced sense of meaning and peace on the FACIT-Sp-12. CONCLUSION This preliminary Rasch analysis of the newly developed SCC has demonstrated its usefulness, reliability and validity. Our findings encourage refinement and ongoing development of the SCC with further investigation of its psychometric properties in varying populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha G Michael
- Supportive, Psychosocial and Palliative Care Research Department, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Irene Bobevski
- Supportive, Psychosocial and Palliative Care Research Department, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Clare C O'Callaghan
- Supportive, Psychosocial and Palliative Care Research Department, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Palliative Care Service St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, VIC, Australia, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Josephine M Clayton
- Centre for Learning & Research in Palliative Care, Hammond Care, Greenwich Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Davinia Seah
- University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sacred Heart Health Service, St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Kissane
- University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sacred Heart Health Service, St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Fopka-Kowalczyk M, Best M, Krajnik M. The Spiritual Supporter Scale as a New Tool for Assessing Spiritual Care Competencies in Professionals: Design, Validation, and Psychometric Evaluation. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:2081-2111. [PMID: 35881265 PMCID: PMC10133369 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to design, validate and standardize the Spiritual Supporter (SpSup) Scale, a tool designed to assess competency to provide spiritual care including knowledge, sensitivity to spiritual needs and spiritual support skills. This instrument can be used by all those engaged in or training for caregiving roles. The study was conducted in Poland in the Polish language. The SpSup Scale demonstrates high overall reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.88), a satisfactory diagnostic accuracy (0.79), and a satisfactory discriminatory power of the items. Given the psychometric properties of SpSup Scale demonstrated here, the scale is recommended for the assessment of the competency to provide spiritual care in both clinical and research settings in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Best
- Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Małgorzata Krajnik
- Department of Palliative Care, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Zulueta Egea M, Prieto-Ursúa M, Bermejo Toro L, Palmar-Santos AM. Dimensions of good palliative nursing care: Expert panel consensus and perceptions of palliative professionals. J Clin Nurs 2022. [PMID: 36380458 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To analyse the dimensions of quality of palliative nursing care and to explore the perceptions of professionals for the development and validation of the Palliative Nursing Care Quality Scale. BACKGROUND The study of palliative nursing care quality has been approached from analysis of the competencies of palliative care nurses, based on various theoretical models. However, there are fewer qualitative empirical studies that have evaluated what good palliative nursing care is and what its dimensions are. DESIGN Mixed-method, Delphi approach and exploratory qualitative study. METHODS Consensus by a panel of experts using the Delphi technique and semi-structured interviews. The study was reported in a comprehensive manner following COREQ criteria. Data collection took place between January and June 2018. RESULTS The eight-person expert panel reached consensus on the following dimensions of the Palliative Nursing Care Quality Scale: control and relief of symptoms, family and/or primary caregiver, therapeutic relationship, spiritual support and continuity of care. Thematic analysis of ten interviews identified four emergent themes related to good nursing care: (1) the patient and family as a whole; (2) finding meaning; (3) responsible communication; and (4) caring for the human element. CONCLUSIONS The quality of palliative nursing care goes beyond providing comprehensive care; it means meticulously looking after every detail of what is important to the patient. The expectations of professionals are not as important. Instead, care should be based primarily on the needs and respect for the wishes of the patient and their family. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Specifying the quality of nursing care in routine practice and reaching a consensus on its dimensions means moving towards excellence in care, as well as improving the professional profile of advanced practice palliative care nurses. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Two primary caregivers participated in the panel of experts and the semi-structured interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Zulueta Egea
- University Centre for Health Sciences, San Juan de Dios Foundation, San Rafael, Nebrija University Madrid, Spain
| | - María Prieto-Ursúa
- Psychology Department and Clinical Unit of Psychology (UNINPSI), Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Bermejo Toro
- Psychology Department and Clinical Unit of Psychology (UNINPSI), Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid, Spain
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Spiritual Care: A Description of Family Members’ Preferences of Spiritual Care Nursing Practices in Intensive Care Units in a Private Hospital in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040595. [PMID: 35455773 PMCID: PMC9029228 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Spiritual care is a part of the holistic care that enables family members in intensive care units to find meaning in their life events and simultaneously bolsters their resilience and coping tools. Objective: To determine family members’ preferences of spiritual care practices that they require from nurses working in intensive care units. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the intensive care units of a private hospital in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Data, using the Nurse Spiritual Therapeutic Scale, were collected from a purposive sample of family members (n = 47). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean overall Nurse Spiritual Therapeutic Scale was 58.4 (20–80). The most preferred and least preferred spiritual care practices by family members were “to be helped to have quiet time and space”, (M = 3.32, SD = 0.59) and “to arrange for a chaplain to visit them” (M = 2.70, SD= 0.91), respectively. Conclusion: The mean overall NSTS score indicated that there was a strong preference among family members for nurses to provide them with spiritual care in the intensive care units. However, due to the diversity of family members’ preferences it remains important that family members guide intensive care nurses in their spiritual care.
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Drillaud F, Saussac C, Keusch F, Lafaye D, Bely H, Averous V, Frasca M, Baudry P, Burucoa B. The Existential Dimension of Palliative Care: The Mirror Effect of Death on Life. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 85:915-935. [PMID: 32938304 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820952187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The WHO has included the spiritual dimension in its definition of palliative care since 1990, but this dimension is frequently confused with notions of religion. Yet, the spiritual suffering experienced by palliative care patients is primarily a matter of existential suffering. The objective of this study was to examine the ways in which the existential dimension was manifested in the experiences of those present in a palliative care unit. This anthropological monograph was conducted in a palliative care unit in a French University Hospital. The existential dimension appears to reside in the connections between individuals and the proximity of death appears to shed new light on the meaning of life. The mirror effect of death on life, could serve to encourage greater appreciation of the value of our connections with others, and the desire to take care of others, which offers new insight into forms of solidarity and social organisation.
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O'Callaghan CC, Georgousopoulou E, Seah D, Clayton JM, Kissane D, Michael N. Spirituality and religiosity in a palliative medicine population: mixed-methods study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2020; 12:316-323. [PMID: 32499406 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spiritual care allows palliative care patients to gain a sense of purpose, meaning and connectedness to the sacred or important while experiencing a serious illness. This study examined how Australian patients conceptualise their spirituality/religiosity, the associations between diagnosis and spiritual/religious activities, and views on the amount of spiritual support received. METHODS This mixed-methods study used anonymous semistructured questionnaires, which included the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Scale-12 (FACIT-SP-12) and adapted and developed questions examining religion/spirituality's role and support. RESULTS Participants numbered 261, with a 50.9% response rate. Sixty-two per cent were affiliated with Christianity and 24.2% with no religion. The mean total FACIT-SP-12 score was 31.9 (SD 8.6). Patients with Christian affiliation reported a higher total FACIT-SP-12 score compared with no religious affiliation (p=0.003). Those with Christian and Buddhist affiliations had higher faith subscale scores compared with those with no religious affiliation (p<0.001). Spirituality was very important to 39.9% and religiosity to 31.7% of patients, and unimportant to 30.6% and 39.5%, respectively. Following diagnosis, patients prayed (p<0.001) and meditated (p<0.001) more, seeking more time, strength and acceptance. Attendance at religious services decreased with frailty (p<0.001), while engagement in other religious activities increased (p=0.017). Patients who received some level of spiritual/religious support from external religious/faith communities and moderate to complete spiritual/religious needs met by the hospitals reported greater total FACIT-SP-12 spirituality scores (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Respectful inquiry into patients spiritual/religious needs in hospitals allows for an attuned approach to addressing such care needs while considerately accommodating those disinterested in such support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare C O'Callaghan
- Palliative and Supportive Care Research Department, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Institute of Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ekavi Georgousopoulou
- School of Medicine Sydney Campus, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Davinia Seah
- School of Medicine Sydney Campus, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,Sacred Heart Health Service, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Josephine M Clayton
- Hammond Care, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Kissane
- School of Medicine Sydney Campus, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,Sacred Heart Health Service, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Michael
- Palliative and Supportive Care Research Department, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,School of Medicine Sydney Campus, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
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Heggs K. Research Roundup. Int J Palliat Nurs 2019; 25:618-620. [PMID: 31855522 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2019.25.12.618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Heggs
- Lecturer in Adult Nursing, University of Manchester, UK
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