In every detail: spiritual care in pediatric palliative care perceived by healthcare providers

In every detail: spiritual care in pediatric palliative care perceived by healthcare providers

Cheng L; Cai S; Zhou X; Zhai X

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

2023

child; article; controlled study; human; palliative therapy; China; interview; health care personnel; qualitative research; social worker; therapy; thematic analysis; religion; nurse; spiritual care; developing country

Spiritual care is an essential domain of pediatric palliative care. The current mainland China faces a lack of national guidance and a shortage of specialized personnel to provide spiritual care in a traditional developing country. Objectives: To identify spiritual care in pediatric palliative care services in mainland China from the perspective of healthcare professionals. Methods: A qualitative descriptive interview study was conducted individually with 27 participants: 14 physicians, seven nurses, and six social workers. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants described that the essence of spiritual support was provided "in every detail" throughout pediatric palliative care. Four major themes and eleven subthemes were identified. 1) Assessing spiritual needs: paying attention to different perspectives; considering religion, tradition, and culture; discovering spiritual needs behind other needs. 2) Facilitating spiritual exploration: being with the family; providing resources; guiding by providers' own faith; 3) Supporting connections: encouraging the building of personal bonds; facilitating the establishment of spiritual connections. 4) Relieving spiritual suffering: facilitating a family review of child's life; supporting building meaning in daily life; assisting in leaving a legacy for the child. Conclusion: This study illustrated that current spiritual support, though not formally organized, is provided individually in pediatric palliative care services in mainland China. Strategies for a practice guide, education and training for professionals, and cultural building need to be rationally developed to strengthen and structure spiritual support integrated into pediatric palliative care.

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