Spiritual Aspects of Health Care

Health care provision has recently seen a marked increase of interest in holistic patient care. As part of this move, spiritual welfare is now recognized as being of key importance in promoting a sense of well-being in all patients, families, and staff. Written by an experienced hospital chaplain, Spiritual Aspects of Health Care provides you with a comprehensive guide to meeting the spiritual and religious needs of all your patients. An initial introduction to the nature of spiritual care is followed by a specific section on the career as a resource, covering self-knowledge, skill development, and the interaction involved in the caring relationship. Common patient responses to illness, pain, loss, and recovery are then discussed. The final section provides you with a comprehensive summary guide to enable you to meet the spiritual needs of any individual. Features Facilitates the provision of holistic care through working relationships Practical presentation of general principles of spiritual care Differentiates between religious and spiritual needs within a multifaith society Provides further reading Includes questions (for discussions, workshops, essays) Spiritual Aspects of Health Care is an invaluable learning aid and reference book for all professional health care staff in the hospital, community and hospice setting, including nurses, chaplains, paramedics, therapists, and medical staff, as well as students.