A study of views of spiritual care among junior doctors at a district general hospital

Abstract

Patients with advanced cancers are often admitted to hospitals for control of symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting. Exploring and addressing patients’ spiritual needs while they are inpatients is recognised as an essential part of comprehensive palliative care. Studies show that addressing patients’ religious and spiritual needs has a positive impact on their spiritual wellbeing and quality of life.1 However, in clinical practice most doctors do not usually address patients’ spiritual needs and have a limited involvement in their spiritual care.2 This aspect of care could be improved by active involvement and participation of local chaplaincy.3 We undertook this study to determine awareness of chaplaincy services at our local district general hospital among the junior doctors working …