An Investigation of Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit Patients' Spiritual Needs

Background: The importance of addressing patients spiritual and religious needs and offering spiritual support to those who are in a critical situation is recognized by all medical regulatory authorities, as indicated by medical practice guidelines Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the...

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Published in:International journal of caring sciences 2022-09, Vol.15 (3), p.1849-1860
Main Authors: Tzenalis, Anastasios, Dargini, Maria, Michalopoulou, Elena, Kipourgos, Georgios, Albani, Eleni, Koulelli, Kaliopi, Krepia, Vassiliki, Vasiliadis, Ioannis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Clinical medicine
Data collection
Hospitalization
Hospitals
Intensive care
Medical personnel
Nurses
Patient assessment
Physicians
Questionnaires
Religion
Spirituality
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Summary:Background: The importance of addressing patients spiritual and religious needs and offering spiritual support to those who are in a critical situation is recognized by all medical regulatory authorities, as indicated by medical practice guidelines Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the spiritual needs of patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), as well as to highlight ways in which these needs are met by health professionals. Study design: A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted using the "Spiritual Needs Questionnaire" (SpNQ). The sample consisted of 50 patients hospitalized in the ICU and HDU of a General Hospital. Results: The research showed that patients demonstrated a strong spiritual need, with the most important regarding their need for Inner Peace, Giving/Generativity Needs, as well as their overall assessment of needs (SpNQ overalla). No correlation was found between the patients' age and their spiritual needs. However, there was a significant correlation between patient's spiritual needs and gender, with women exhibiting a higher level of spiritual needs. Conclusions: based on the results of this study increased spiritual needs were identified among patients hospitalized in ICU. Further studies on the spiritual needs of ICU patients are required, so that they can be met by health professionals. Relevance to clinical practice This research suggests that caring for the spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones has a positive effect on patient health outcomes. As our findings show that patients in ICU and HDU demonstrate a strong spiritual need it is important for clinical practice and education to focus on spiritual needs assessment tools based on patients' individual needs.
ISSN:1791-5201
1792-037X