Exploring spirituality in palliative care services: an All-Ireland survey

BACKGROUND: Spirituality and spiritual care are recognised as integral components of palliative care practice. Because of the diverse nature of this unique part of humanity, it may be challenging to describe what spirituality is or to ensure that spiritual care is delivered consistently in palliative care settings. However, failure to address the spiritual needs of a person and those who are important to them, who are in receipt of palliative care, can contribute to unnecessary distress. METHODOLOGY: This study employed a mixed-method design. Using a purposefully selected non-probability sampling method, an adapted survey was specifically developed and conducted across the island of Ireland among healthcare professionals working in palliative and end-of-life care services. Data analysis included the use of a computer software programme (IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 28), qualitative data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2022) six step approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Completed surveys were received from a wide range of health care professionals (152 responses). Results showed that 113 (74.8%) had been working in palliative care for at least 6 years, and 109 (72.1%) respondents reported frequent/very frequent engagement in this aspect of care. Four themes emerged from the qualitative data relating to the concept of spiritual care (1) linked to holistic care which was seen as fundamental to palliative care, (2) closely linked to supporting someone in their search for meaning, which was often associated with existential issues, (3) it required practitioners to recognise that people often expressed their spirituality and spiritual needs within the context of the individual’s values & beliefs, (4) a form of accompaniment, closely related to a journey that included supporting someone as they moved towards death. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study show that many members of the palliative care team are actively engaged in supporting people with life-limiting illness and their families with their spiritual needs and concerns. Respondents were able to offer a rich insight into what they believed spiritual care is and the important role it plays in delivering palliative care. There was a clear recognition of the need for further support and training. It is hoped that the findings from this study will contribute to further discussion, learning and research, and encourage more members of the palliative care team to engage in this component of person-centred care.