Work

Unmet Spiritual Needs, Spiritual Wellbeing and Support Satisfaction of End-of-Life Patients: Findings from a Spiritual and Existential Care Training Program (SpECi) for Health Care Practitioners within Inpatient Geriatric Care, Palliative Care Units and Hospices

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The outcomes of a 40-h Spiritual/Existential Care training program (SpECi) for healthcare professionals on their patients' treatment satisfaction (n = 774) were evaluated. Most patients felt supported in their spiritual needs by the staff (79–81%). This satisfaction was highest in hospices and palliative care units (Eta2 = .065, p < .001). Regression analyses revealed that satisfaction with spiritual needs support was predicted by therapeutic staff support, treatment place, and support from pastoral care providers (R2 = .17). The prominent role of healthcare practitioners with their specific competencies and spiritual care ideals is crucial for patients' support satisfaction which was higher for family and staff than to pastoral care providers.

Source: Journal of Religion and Health

DOI: 10.1007/s10943-025-02273-y

Authors: Arndt Büssing, Marianne Kloke, Mareike Gerundt

Institutions: Witten/Herdecke University, Kliniken Essen-Mitte

Language: English

Topic: Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290