Presence: the cornerstone of spiritual needs among hospitalised patients

An important part of the spiritual needs of patients is 'presence'. The increased demand for holistic care has led to increased attention on 'presence' and its quality.

Given the importance of understanding the phenomenon of presence in order to promote the spirituality dimension among hospitalised patients, this study aimed to describe the lived experience of hospitalised patients in the context of presence.

This was a descriptive phenomenological qualitative study carried out on 12 admitted patients in general hospital settings. The data were collected through individual and semi-structured interviews. The Colaizzi method was used for analysing and interpreting the data, while the criteria of the Guba and Lincoln method were used to ensure the trustworthiness of these data.

The experience of hospitalised patients concerning 'presence' appeared in the form of three main themes: 'multidimensional connection', 'receiving support' and 'dignity'. During hospitalisation, patients need to experience effective connection with the transcendent and individuals, and receive various types of comprehensive support, such that their and others' dignity is preserved. Patients considered that 'presence' was beyond 'being' and able to provide them with comfort.

Patients' need is very important in the field of presence. In the social and religious context of Iran, in which both supernatural and human aspects of presence are emphasised, it seems that healthcare teams, health authorities and policymakers must provide an appropriate supportive environment in terms of providing a healing presence in its different dimensions.