The spiritual dimension: What gives meaning to patients with life-limiting illness?

BACKGROUND

Including the spiritual dimension as a part of patient care is a key principle in palliative care. However, studies have shown that this aspect of care is often neglected, although healthcare professionals have a responsibility to provide holistic care.

AIM: Explore what gives meaning to patients living with severe incurable disease.

METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients suffering from life-threatening illness. All had cancer as main diagnosis. Data were analysed using a phenomenological-hermeneutic method described by Lindseth and Norberg.

FINDINGS: The analysis resulted in four main themes: previous life experiences, feeling significant to others, feeling prepared for end of life and life-giving impressions.

CONCLUSION

Experiences, beliefs, impressions and relationships provide meaning to patients living with severe incurable disease. Focusing on these dimensions of spirituality can help healthcare professionals to understand and provide spiritual care. Spiritual care encompasses being open and sensitive to what patients express and focussing on what is important to the individual.