it's holistic because it takes the process of dying, coordinates the patient's care, and brings resolution to things often left unstated. It allows the patient to have a degree of control. And it evaporates some of the high-tech coldness that can come between caregivers and patients."
The most significant area of spirituality and palliative care still unaddressed by researchers seem to be those identified by Cohen and Koenig: "the religious and spiritual needs of people of different religions, the positive and negative effects of religion and spirituality in palliative and end-of-life care, and the contributions that religious and spiritual institutions as well as health care professionals can make to such endeavors" (Cohen and Koenig
Conclusion
Currently, there is a widely held belief that spirituality is a valuable part of palliative care. It is less clear how often it is included as a part of palliative care by nurses; certainly, nursing organizations have made clear statements regarding its inclusion in end-of-life practice and care giving. Researchers have reported anecdotal evidence that it is valued by patients; the fact that 90% of patients believe in some form of spirituality would suggest that ignoring it would be a disservice to most patients.
References
Bogin, Rabbi S. (2000) Spiritual issues of palliative care. Nursing Homes, December. Retrieved 13 March 2005 from www.findarticles.com.
Burnside, G. (1998) New paths in end-of-life care. Health Progress, May/Jun. Retrieved...
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