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Recognizing spiritual injury in cancer: A case study
Jessica I Goldberg1, Laurie J Andersen2, Jill Bowden2
1Department of Nursing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.
Background:
Spiritual distress is a common symptom among patients with cancer. Spiritual injury (SI), a type of spiritual distress, occurs when there is a breakdown in the relationship between the individual and their higher power. Patients who experience spiritual injury may have poor health outcomes.
Methods:
A case report of a woman with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who had experienced a SI.
Results:
The palliative care team, in collaboration with the palliative care chaplain, was able to recognize that the patient had experienced a SI. They were able to help the patient to process and reflect upon this experience and ultimately treat her suffering.
Significance Of Results:
All palliative care providers should assess their patients' spiritual health and monitor for the existence of SI.
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