The nurse's role in assessing and responding to patients' spiritual needs

The spiritual dimension of health care is becoming increasingly prominent, particularly in terminal care. It is not always clear, however, what spiritual needs are or who has responsibility for spiritual care. The first part of this paper takes the form of a literature review which examines the spiritual dimension and spiritual need. Spiritual needs, which may be particularly acute during terminal illness, are considered broader than religious needs and include the need for meaning, purpose, fulfilment, hope/will to live, and belief and faith in self, others and God. The role of the nurse in assessing and responding to patients' spiritual needs is addressed in the second part of the paper, with specific reference to the author's doctoral study. There is indication from this study that certain factors related to the patient, nurse, environment and other professionals may hinder the fulfilment of patients' spiritual needs. By addressing these factors it may be possible to improve spiritual care and therefore the quality of dying patients' remaining days.