Introduction
Spiritual assessments provide physicians with a clear understanding of what gives the patients meaning to life as well as their source of strength hence a better understanding of how to approach their healing process (Stanworth, (2004). It also assists patients with terminal illnesses in dealing with their condition and decision-making regarding their treatment choices. The interview’s analysis focuses on the tool’s effectiveness, challenges, and spiritual’s beliefs’ impact on the patient’s health.
People Also Read
- 118 Mental Illness Essay Topics You Need to Know
- Factors Influencing Violence Patterns In Juveniles Tried As Adults
Development of Assessment
Shamy’s (2003) assertion that everyone identifies themself with a set of spiritual beliefs and people’s spiritual growth is guided as well as driven by one another, and Riedner, Fegg, Hauf, & Borasio’s (2006) claim that spiritual beliefs being proven to be related to human’s overall wellbeing as it affects individual’s view of life were my guiding principles in the formation of the tool. The description by Stanworth (2004) concerning physicians’ role in the patient’s healing process, which is being supportive, also contributed.
Background
Ann was recently diagnosed with acute cancer and was admitted to the hospital. The news about her health condition caught her by surprise, making her extremely devastated and stressed. She constantly felt sorry for herself to the extent of relenting treatment as she felt completely worthless generally to society and her loving and supportive family.
Description of Assessment Time
The evaluation of the patient’s spiritual requirements was successful. She seemed completely open and proud of her beliefs and was enthusiastic about sharing them with me. I would incorporate a few factors into future assessments but would depend on several factors, including age and type of illness. Apart from her surprising request regarding reading the Bible aloud to her, the interview’s complication was not interfered with. The fact that patients are different concerning their level of openness may present a challenge in the future since the tool applied in these assessments employed precise questions that may be inadequate for some patients, yet time is a factor. The patient’s beliefs gave her the courage to face cancer as she believed it was God’s desire and that God would see her through. I was initially nervous, but during the interview, I realized I had outstanding communication skills. I was touched by her faith in God and how her spiritual beliefs seemed to remind her of how her life was precious. This tool would help me understand elements that lift the patients’ spirits when feeling low or on the verge of giving up.
.Conclusion
In summary, assessing the spiritual beliefs of terminally healed patients aid in planning a suitable treatment plan. Spiritual beliefs have been proven to be the source of people’s strength in times of crisis, and their inclusion into the healing process elicits positive outcomes. The model developed was effective as it was open-ended and unbiased, thus providing the information needed to incorporate into the patient’s healing process. However, its effectiveness in the future hangs on the balance.
References
Frick, E., Riedner, C., Fegg, M. J., Hauf, S., & Borasio, G.D. (2006). A clinical interview is assessing cancer patients’ spiritual needs and preferences. European Journal of Cancer Care. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2005.00646.x
Shamy, E. (2003). A guide to the spiritual dimension of care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia: More than body, brain, and breath. London: J. Kingsley Publishers.
Stanworth, R. (2004). Recognizing spiritual needs in people who are dying. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Spiritual Needs Assessment Tool
(WEEPS) is the tool I developed and applied during the interview.
W. What. What are the aspects that patients believe give meaning to life? What are the patient’s spiritual or religious beliefs?
E. Exhibit: What practices do patients use to display their spiritual beliefs?
E. Effects: In what manner do these beliefs influence patients’ well-being?
P. Partner: Are there people who are part of the patients’ spiritual world?
S. Support: How can I assist the patients in meeting all their vital spiritual requirements?
Transcript
Me: Ann (patient), I am here to talk to you regarding your spiritual beliefs as agreed earlier, if you do not mind. I will ask you a few questions, so relax, feel free and answer truthfully since no one is passing judgment. Should I commence?
Ann: Yes.
Me: You have been recently diagnosed with acute cancer. How do you feel?
Ann: Hurt and scared.
Me: In times like this, during the crisis, where do you draw your strength and motivation from?
Ann: I am a staunch Christian with a strong belief in God.
Me: How does your belief in Christianity affect your health?
Ann: I strongly believe in God’s endless love and care and hope that he will help me through hard times as he is the provider, and all things come from him.
Me: Is there a community or group of the faithful you belong to?
Ann: I am a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church. I am also part of a prayer group that meets a week thrice to build ourselves spiritually and pray.
Me: Are there any spiritual practices you engage in during a crisis that calms you and gives you a sense of satisfaction?
Ann: I like some time to pray, read the bible and listen to slow gospel music.
Me: How can I assist you in upholding your Christian values and practices during your stay in the hospital?
Ann: If you ensure my favorite gospel songs are played every morning and evening and read Bible verses to me- I will be grateful. You can also ask my Chaplin to come and give me spiritual advice.
Me: Thank you for your time. I hope you feel better.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
