| Abstrakt: |
Spiritual care is an essential component of holistic hospice care at the end of life. However, hospices vary considerably in the process of spiritual assessment as a precursor to spiritual care. The Spiritual Life Map (Hodge, 2005) is one tool that has been developed to address diverse spiritual perspectives. Introduction and adoption of such a tool may require training and ongoing support to facilitate its use in a hospice setting. This qualitative study evaluated the introduction, demonstration, and use of spiritual life maps in a hospice setting. Focus groups with hospice chaplains and social workers were conducted to assess hospice professionals' definitions of spiritual care and their responses both before and after hands- on training in the use of spiritual life maps as a tool in end of life care. A phenomenological approach to qualitative analysis was used. Results suggest the need for ongoing training and support in addressing spiritual needs at the end of life, and several barriers to the use of new tools. Implications for research, training, and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
