The spiritual dimension of care in palliative care units: a descriptive study
Keywords:
Nursing, Nursing Care, Spirituality, Holistic HealthAbstract
Background: Quality in the humanization of healthcare involves comprehensive patient care, considering all facets of the person, including their spiritual dimension. In patients in palliative care, the onset of spiritual suffering is more imminent. However, nursing professionals' responses range from avoidance or fear of addressing this dimension of care to recognition, and acceptance of this humanizing need for care. Addressing these issues from the perspective of healthcare is the first step in addressing the spiritual dimension.
Objective: Describe nursing professionals' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual suffering as a dimension of comprehensive care. To highlight the aspects considered relevant to providing this care in the Palliative Care Units.
Methodology: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing professionals in the Palliative Care Units of the Vigo Health District. The study included, originally 65 professionals (N=65), however, after non-probability sampling, a final sample of 46 professionals (n=46) was obtained. Sociodemographic variables and other variables related to spirituality (its concept, its connection to nursing, and professional practice) were analyzed. Data collection was carried out using an ad hoc, self-administered questionnaire completed online.
Conclusions: Professionals mostly conceptualize spirituality in a religious sense; less than a third link it to the meaning of life and inner connection. The importance of spiritual attention is recognized almost unanimously, however, organizational and competence limitations hinder its effective implementation.
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