5th January 2024

Religious and Spiritual Care

Spirituality describes a person’s quest to find meaning in their life. This can be in the form of faith but can also be expressed in people who do not follow a religion.

It is important to assess patients’ spiritual needs during their illness. This can be done at any point from diagnosis right through to the terminal stage. Assessing spiritual needs allows for individualised support to be given, including access to religious and spiritual caregivers.

Delivering spiritual care in the palliative setting may include listening to the patient’s experience, respecting and protecting their identity and dignity, and discussing thoughts around life, death and meaning. Spiritual care can also allow for the provision of religious rituals at the end of life.