Examining Forms of Spiritual Care Provided in the Advanced Cancer Setting

• DOI: 10.1177/1049909114540318
• Publication Date: 2014-07-09T03:47:28Z
• Authors: Zachary D. Epstei...; Adam J. Sullivan; Andrea C. Enzinger; Kelly M. Trevino; Angelika A. Zollf...; Michael J. Balboni; Tyler J. VanderWeele; Tracy A. Balboni
• Keywords: Spiritual care

Spiritual care (SC) is important to the of seriously ill patients. Few studies have examined types SC provided and their perceived impact. This study surveyed patients with advanced cancer (N = 75, response rate [RR] 73%) oncology nurses physicians 339, RR 63%). Frequency impact 8 were assessed. infrequently provided, encouraging or affirming beliefs most common type (20%). history taking chaplaincy referrals comprised 10% 16%, respectively. Most viewed each positively, training predicted provision many types. In conclusion, infrequent, core elements SC—spiritual referrals—represent a minority SC. predicts SC, indicting its importance advancing in clinical setting.