The Spiritual Needs of Patients and the Role of Hospital Pastoral Care

Abstract

In this research, our main aim was to identify the spiritual needs of patients and to find answers to the question of whose responsibility it is to respond to spiritual needs in health care. The research questions were explored qualitatively through literature analysis. We attempted to explore the origins of the terms related to the questions under investigation in relevant, earlier published literature. The research questions were explored in the light of current literature. As a result of the research, the following conclusions were reached: the scientific discourse on spiritual needs presupposes a multidimensional anthropology, whereby human beings are understood in the complexity of several dimensions of existence, including the spiritual dimension. The spiritual dimension and the consideration of spiritual needs are hallmarks of holistic and patient-centred care, reflected through interdisciplinary approaches. The spiritual needs of the person include: the need for connection, the pursuit of peace, the search for meaning and purpose, the relationship with transcendence and the need for religious exercise. They are all part of the spirituality of the person, manifestations of a spiritual dimension that is universal. Responding to spiritual needs emerges initially in nursing literature, and then in the field of spiritual care. Hospital pastoral care givers and hospital chaplains recognise their role in providing spiritual care, thus becoming part of the interdisciplinary team, and their competence extends to responding to the spiritual needs of patients, health care workers and relatives.