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The spiritual dimension of palliative care
1Department of Religion, Health and Human Values, College of Health Science, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Objectives:
To review the relevant literature about spirituality and palliation in oncology and to suggest a model for framing and understanding the spiritual themes oncology patients may present.
Data Sources:
Research studies, review articles, and books related to spirituality, palliation, patient and staff preferences, family therapy, and culture.
Conclusions:
Spirituality/religion is a significant element in the lives of most Americans and plays a role in coping with crisis events such as cancer. Responding to the spiritual dimension is an important part of palliative care.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Caregivers must learn and use appropriate assessment protocols and include appropriate spiritual/religious interventions in careplans.
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