ISQUA16-1369NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR SPIRITUAL CARE IN AGED CARE

Abstract

Objectives: In the absence of any specific guidelines for spiritual care in aged care, this project has developed guidelines to guide providers on a person-centred approach to the spiritual care of older people living in residential care or in the community. Methods: A literature review was conducted using search terms such as spiritual care, spirituality and aged care through CINAHL, Medline, Psych Info, AMED and 11,000 records were found. After de-duplication and review for relevance, 335 relevant documents were reviewed. There were many definitions of spirituality found, however Puchalski's et al. [1] definition was often cited. There is evidence linking effective spiritual care with positive health outcomes and well-being measures. A stakeholder engagement strategy was used to consult with consumer groups, providers and interest groups. Views of older people and their representatives regarding spiritual care were obtained through 10 in depth qualitative interviews. 17 focus groups with 127 people were conducted with staff, management and volunteers to identify good practice. The common themes emerging from the interviews and focus groups were summarised into 17 principles reflecting good spiritual care practice. These statements were reproduced in an industry-wide survey with 726 respondents including consumers, family/carers, aged care providers, faith-representatives and volunteers. Overwhelmingly positive support was shown for the key principles identified. An Expert Advisory Panel (EAP) of 30 people comprised of Australian and international experts then reviewed the draft Guidelines. The EAP provided feedback using a modified Delphi process through 4 surveys. After each survey, the Guidelines were further refined. The draft Guidelines were publicly released and feedback was obtained through a survey and submissions process. The draft Guidelines were then piloted with 17 sites over a six week period. Pilot sites were briefed, supported and debriefed. Pilot sites included a range of organisations: private for-profit, charitable and faith-based. Results: The National Spiritual Care Guidelines for Aged Care have been developed to meet a gap in the provision of care to older people. Person-centred care principles of relationship, connectedness and focusing on the needs of the person are reflected in the Guidelines. The Guidelines recognise a diversity of faiths, beliefs, cultures including those with humanistic beliefs. The need for a whole-of-organisation approach to the provision of spiritual care was consistently raised in the fieldwork and literature. Following consultation with industry, the Guidelines include suggested strategies for implementation. Conclusion: The Guidelines have been piloted and refined to ensure relevance and evidence-based practice. The Guidelines represent significant progress in person-centred care within social care contexts and provide an organisational approach to spiritual care. The Guidelines will be freely available on a website from July 2016 and could be easily adapted to other social care contexts including palliative care.