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Hospital Chaplains, Spirituality, and Pain Management: A Qualitative Study
Cecile B Evans1, Lucinda R Larimore1, Victoria E Grasmick1
1From St. Mary's Medical Center, Now Part of Intermountain Health, Grand Junction, Colorado.
Spiritual suffering is a significant aspect of pain management. Hospital chaplains play a crucial role in addressing spiritual distress and enhancing patient care through spiritual support.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare
- Spiritual Care
- Pain Management
Background:
- Spirituality is integral to holistic nursing care for patients in pain.
- There is limited awareness regarding spiritual suffering and the role of chaplains in pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively explore hospital chaplains' perspectives on spirituality and pain management in acute care settings.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative inquiry using guided interviews with hospital chaplains.
- Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data.
Main Results:
- Spiritual suffering, including spiritual fear, emerged as a dominant theme in patients experiencing pain.
- Witnessing patient suffering was also identified as a source of distress for nurses.
- Chaplain interventions focused on providing spiritual support to individuals in pain.
Conclusions:
- Spiritual suffering is a recognized phenomenon in patients experiencing pain.
- Early consultation with hospital chaplains can enhance pain management strategies.
- Chaplains are equipped to assess and intervene in cases of spiritual suffering related to pain.
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