Developing a conceptual framework of optimal spiritual care: Clergy perspectives
| Autor: | Rebecca Quinones, Tracy A. Balboni, Michael J. Balboni, Patrick T. Smith, Callie Nibecker, Virginia T. LeBaron, Gloria White-Hammond |
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| Rok vydání: | 2015 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Journal of Clinical Oncology. 33:234-234 |
| ISSN: | 1527-7755 0732-183X |
| DOI: | 10.1200/jco.2015.33.29_suppl.234 |
| Popis: | 234 Background: An intriguing finding from previous research is that spiritual support by clergy led to more aggressive care at the end-of-life (EOL), particularly for Black and Latino patients. A better understanding of this phenomenon is critical as aggressive EOL care results in poorer patient and caregiver quality of life, and can significantly impact the death experience. Methods: This was a qualitative, descriptive study. The purpose was to develop a conceptual framework regarding clergy perspectives of optimal spiritual care provision to inform an EOL educational curriculum for clergy. Clergy from varying spiritual backgrounds, geographical locations in the U.S., and race/ethnicities were recruited. Semi-structured interview guides were developed by an interdisciplinary panel of medical educators and religious experts. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified. Following principles of grounded theory, a final set of themes and sub-themes were identified through an iterative process of constant comparison. Results: A total of 35 clergy participated in one-on-one interviews (N = 14) and two focus groups. 43% of clergy were Black/African-American, 50% Caucasian and 7% Asian. 7% self-identified as Latino/Hispanic; most reported affiliation with a Christian denomination (96%). Primary themes included Patient Spiritual Struggles, Who Clergy Are (‘Being’), What Clergy Do (‘Doing’) and What Clergy Believe (‘Believing’). Spiritual struggles focused on existential questions, practical questions and difficult emotions. ‘Being” was supported by subthemes related to various manifestations of Presence; “Doing” by subthemes of religious activities, pastoral support, meeting the needs of patient/families, and mistakes to avoid; “Believing” by subthemes of having a relationship with God, virtues, and eternal life. Conclusions: Understanding clergy perspectives regarding optimal spiritual care provision is crucial to improve EOL care, especially for patient populations highly engaged with faith communities. This conceptual framework can help inform the design of educational EOL care initiatives for clergy and foster productive dialogue among clergy, clinicians, and patients. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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