The Place of Spiritual Well-Being in Hospice Patients’ Overall Quality of Life

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is an increasing awareness of, and interest in the relationship between spirituality and health. This research examines spiritual well-being as one of six components of hospice patients’ overall quality of life. Patients admitted over a four-month period were surveyed, using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scale (FACT-G), at admission, one month later, three months later, and six months later. Data showed spiritual well-being to be an important contributor to overall quality of life. The article concludes by advocating that providing spiritual care to hospice patients makes good business sense. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com ]