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Spiritual suffering in palliative care: a concept analysis
Paula Jaman-Mewes1,2, Mayara Caetano da Silva de Oliveira3, Vinicius Geraldo Ruas3
1Universidad de los Andes, Chile, Santiago, Chile. pjaman@uandes.cl.
Summary
Spiritual suffering in palliative care is defined as a personal crisis impacting meaning, identity, and relationships. Understanding its attributes, antecedents, and consequences aids compassionate, person-centered care.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Spiritual Health
- Concept Analysis
Background:
- Spiritual suffering in palliative care lacks a clear definition, impeding effective therapeutic interventions.
- Clarifying this concept is crucial for enhancing patient care and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and clarify the concept of spiritual suffering within the palliative care setting.
- To identify the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of spiritual suffering in palliative care.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive concept analysis was performed using Walker and Avant's eight-step methodology.
- The analysis involved identifying concept uses, defining attributes, and specifying antecedents and consequences.
Main Results:
- Spiritual suffering is a personal, transcendental phenomenon involving disrupted existential meaning, identity, and relationships.
- Key attributes include internal conflict, hopelessness, existential questioning, and difficulty accepting life-threatening circumstances.
- Emotional responses associated with spiritual suffering can intensify distress and hinder inner peace.
Conclusions:
- This study provides an operational definition and core components of spiritual suffering in palliative care.
- Findings assist professionals in recognizing and addressing spiritual suffering, promoting person-centered care.
- The research informs the integration of spiritual care into palliative practice and future intervention development.
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