Spiritual Assessment

Definition of Terms
• Religion
– The rituals, practices, and experiences shared
within a group that involve a search for the sacred
(God, Allah)
• Spirituality
– a search for meaning and purpose in life, which
seeks to understand life’s ultimate question in
relation to the sacred
 Definition of Terms
• Spiritual Assessment
– the active and ongoing conversations that
assesses the spiritual needs of the client
• Spiritual Care
– addressing the spiritual needs of the client as
they unfold through spiritual assessment
 Why Assess Spirituality?
• A large number profess a belief in God , pray
on a regular basis, and frequently use spiritual
resources during times of high stress.
• It is related to a person’s greater well-being in
the face of chronic disease management and
assistance adhering to medical regimens.
• It is related to lower levels of mortality, less
heart disease, lower blood pressure, less
depression, lower levels of stress, less alcohol
and tobacco abuse, greater well-being and
optimism, and positive health habits.
 Role of Religion and Spirituality in
Health and Health Care Choices
• View the body as a gift and encourage a
lifestyle to mirror that belief that promotes
health
– avoidance of promiscuous sexual activity,
shunning alcohol and tobacco use, and dietary
guideline
• Never make assumption that all members of
one group adopt all aspects of their religion.
 Major World Religion
• Buddhism
• Hinduism
• Islam
• Christianity
• Judaism
 Buddhism
• Suffering is a part of human existence, but the
inward death of the self an senses leads to a
state beyond suffering and existence.
• Terminal illness is seen as a unique
opportunity to reflect and pray (should be
conscious)
• Death is rebirth (serene surrounding to
maintain dignity of death)
• Strict vegetarians; fasting on holy days
 Hinduism
• Nirvana (oneness with God) is the primary
purpose of religion
• Illness is the result of Karma
• Right hand is seen as holy (eating and
interventions on the right hand)
• Believes in rebirth
• Straighten the deceased arms
• Holy water, basil leaves on body; holy thread
on wrists or neck
 Islam
• Believed in Allah, prophet Mohammed
• Prays 6 times a day: dawn, sunrise, noon,
afternoon, sunset, evening
• Prays facing the east (Mecca); use prayer rug;
wash hands, feet, and face prior to prayer
• Women are to be “modest”
• Less likely to ask questions to healthcare
providers (sign of mistrust)
• Face east during dying and death
• Prohibits pork and alcohol; eat Kosher foods
• Fast during Ramadan (sunrise to sunset)
 Christianity
• Old and New testament of the Bible; Jesus
Christ as the Saviour; Holy Trinity
• Illness is a test of faith; for others a curse
• Miracles by prayers
 Judaism
• Jewish beliefs: Reform, Reconstructionist,
Conservative, and Orthodox
• Priests are Rabbi
• Arms are not crossed on death; clothing and
bandages are buried with the person
• Kosher (K) – Jewish food: no mixing of meat
with dairy; separate cooking and eating
utensils for food preparation and
consumption; special slaughter and food
handling