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Spiritual needs of dying patients: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES
To identify dying patients' definitions of spirituality and their spiritual needs.


DESIGN
Descriptive, qualitative.


SETTING
Participants' places of residence.


SAMPLE
19 hospice patients (10 females and 9 males), mean age 72, with a range of length of time as a hospice patient of 2 weeks to 12 months.


METHODS
Semistructured interviews were conducted. Interview transcripts and field notes were analyzed to reduce data into codes and themes. Data were coded by extracting verbatim phrases used to describe spirituality and spiritual needs. Themes emerged from the data as commonalities among the codes developed.


MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES
Meaning of "spiritual" and perceived spiritual needs.


FINDINGS
Participants initially defined spiritual as relating to God or religion; however, as interviews progressed, it was apparent that their spirituality was a part of their total existence. Twenty-nine unique spiritual needs were identified and grouped into six themes: need for religion, need for companionship, need for involvement and control, need to finish business, need to experience nature, and need for positive outlook.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants perceived spirituality as a broad concept that may or may not involve religion. Spiritual needs were likewise broad in scope and were linked closely to purpose and meaning in life.


IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
Spiritual care of dying patients is within the scope of nursing practice. Spiritual needs are quite varied and encompass more than religion. If nurses are to enhance the quality of life of dying patients, spiritual needs must be addressed.