Spirituality and neurosurgery: A salutogenic current perspective

This systematic review aims to determine how spirituality influences prehabilitation and post-operative patient outcomes along with their coping mechanisms while undergoing Neurosurgical intervention. We have endeavoured to explore the feasibility of safe integration of this concept into Neurosurgical care provision.

A literature search was carried out and articles were retrieved from PubMed, Science Direct and Cochrane database using specific keywords. We identified a total of 381 studies that fit our criteria and were analysed using PRISMA guidelines.

This review summarises evidence that spirituality significantly impacts multiple domains of neurosurgical patient care. Studies indicate that spirituality fosters meaning, hope, and comfort, aiding patients in coping with neurosurgical conditions like brain and spinal tumours. Patients with higher spirituality exhibited improved postoperative outcomes, including faster recovery, better quality of life, and greater healthcare satisfaction. The ethical necessity of addressing spiritual needs, particularly regarding end-of-life decisions and respecting cultural beliefs was also examined. Some types of spirituality measures showed more positive outcomes in patients than others. While a few studies found no association between quality of life and complementary spiritual therapies, trends have shifted. Neuroimaging research has identified potential neurobiological correlates of spiritual experiences in regions like the parietal lobe and prefrontal cortex. The World Health Organisation (WHO) now includes spirituality in the holistic approach to palliative care for terminal patients.

Current evidence suggests beneficial outcomes from utility of spirituality tools such as meditation, yoga, mantram repetition, exercise, and support groups. These can be safely integrated in provision of a salutogenic approach to improve overall outcome in patients undergoing neurosurgery. This is the first study to focus on spirituality in Neurosurgery aiming for holistic care provision across the globe. We believe that it is feasible to bring in a change to patient's care balancing mind, body and spirit integrated with excellent Neurosurgical care.