Understanding the outcomes of spiritual care as experienced by patients.

In moving toward professionalising spiritual care in the healthcare system, as an equal partner in whole person care, it has become increasingly important to develop an evidence base for spiritual care interventions, their value and longer-term outcomes for those receiving this care. This study utilised hard copy questionnaires across five Australian general hospitals to investigate patient reported outcomes of in-patient spiritual care. The survey included the Scottish Patient Reported Outcomes Measure (PROM), measures of patient experience and an open-ended question about experience of care. Data indicated a positive correlation between positive experience of spiritual care and a high score on PROM. Qualitative data elaborated on if and how the spiritual care received met patients' needs, the qualities they valued in the provider of this care and impacts of the care they experienced. Further development of the PROM in a variety of situations is however recommended.

Embedding Critical Reflection in Training for Spiritual Care Supervision and Practice: The Experience of a Specific Student Group.

This article explores student experiences of a subject called Supervision in Spiritual Care Using Critical Reflection in postgraduate study in Australia for spiritual carers and ministers of religion. Their online dialogue identified how students used critical reflection in practice, and what they saw as the benefits and challenges in their learning. This affirms the value of a critically reflective approach to spiritual care and how this can be used in supervision and in practice.

What Spirituality Means for Patients and Families in Health Care.

This research focuses on the spiritual care experiences of patients and families at a hospital in Australia. Twenty-four patients and 10 family members were interviewed. Results indicate the importance of relatedness: being treated as a person, reminded of your capabilities and conversations about what matters. Maintaining contact with friends and family, sustaining religious and spiritual practices, music therapy and pet therapy were also significant and contact with the natural world and shared activities. The results indicate the importance of spirituality offered through pastoral care, and that all those involved in health care can contribute to the spiritually nurturing environment that reinforces healing.