An exploration of spirituality and spiritual care with rehabilitation inpatients.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore spirituality in inpatient rehabilitation care from the patient's perspective.

Materials and methods: Participants were recruited from three inpatient rehabilitation services in Sydney, Australia. A qualitative research design was adopted. Demographic data collected included religious affiliation, age and gender. Participants completed a short survey, where they indicated the level of acceptability for 14 items which could be used in a spiritual history. This was followed by a semi-structured interview where participants discussed how they would like to be asked about spirituality, and by whom.

Results: Eighteen participants were recruited (10 females, 8 males; mean age 68.8 years) and were undertaking either general rehabilitation (n = 9) or neurorehabilitation (spinal cord injury n = 6, traumatic brain injury n = 3). The impact of loss and existential struggle was evident for participants with long-lasting injuries. These participants could identify sources of spiritual strength which helped them engage with hardship and described how staff could facilitate access to these sources of strength.

Conclusions: Rehabilitation inpatients are willing to explore issues around spirituality. Staff can support inpatients to access sources of spiritual strength by creating a safe and trusting environment and finding out what is most meaningful to the patient.