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Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”

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Published Papers

A special issue of Religions (ISSN 2077-1444).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2018) | Viewed by 65542

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Kathleen Neenan

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Guest Editor

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Spirituality Interest Group, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
Interests: spirituality; caregivers, healthcare; mindfulness

Prof. Vivienne Brady

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Guest Editor

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Spirituality Interest Group, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
Interests: action research; women's health and maternity care; reflective practice as a method to advance midwifery knowledge; models of care and hearing voice spirituality

Prof. Dr. Fiona Timmins

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Guest Editor

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Interests: person-centered care; spirituality and enhancing the professional education of nurses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Wilf McSherry

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Guest Editor

1. School of Health and Social Care, Staffordshire University, Stafford ST18 0AD, UK
2. The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Staffordshire ST4 6QG, UK
3. Part-time Professor at VID University College, Norway
Interests: dignity in care; spirituality and spiritual care; ageing and dementia
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will focus on a range of papers aimed at exploring the concept of spirituality in healthcare.

The overall focus of the Special Issue will be to highlight presenters’ achievements at the fourth international conference hosted by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Spirituality Research and Innovation Group, Trinity College Dublin on 21st June 2018. Presenters at the conference are invited to submit papers. This will enable them to elaborate on their oral presentations and disseminate their ideas to a wider audience.
The scope of the Special Issue will include narrative/discussion papers, research papers and innovations from across a range of disciplines.
This issue will contribute to existent literature on spirituality in healthcare.
All papers will be subject to peer review.

Submission

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. Papers will be published continuously following peer review (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on the MDPI website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are refereed through a peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed Open Access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication (550 CHF) has been funded by institutions through Knowledge Unlatched, resulting in no direct charge to authors. English correction and/or formatting fees of 250 CHF (Swiss Francs) will be charged in certain cases for those articles accepted for publication that require extensive additional formatting and/or English corrections.

Prof. Kathleen Neenan
Prof. Vivienne Brady
Prof. Dr. Fiona Timmins
Prof. Wilf McSherry
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Women’s Experiences of Utilizing Religious and Spiritual Beliefs as Coping Resources After Miscarriage

by Felicity Agwu Kalu

Religions 2019, 10(3), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel10030185 - 12 Mar 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6465

Abstract

Religious and spiritual beliefs enable some bereaved women to cope better with the devastating effects of the loss of a baby through miscarriage. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of women’s utilization of religious and spiritual beliefs as coping resources after miscarriage. Heideggerian interpretive phenomenological approach guided the study. Data were collected using audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews with 10 women and analyzed thematically using the method developed by van Manen. Data analysis revealed three themes: (a) feelings of grief (b) finding meaning in loss and the purpose of life and (c) religious and spiritual beliefs as coping resources. Religious and spiritual beliefs play a major role in the lives of many individuals, and act as coping resources for many women who have experienced a miscarriage. Bereavement care providers’ understanding of religious and spiritual values of women who have experienced a miscarriage is crucial to meeting their spiritual care needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”)

10 pages, 201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Religion and Spirituality in Pregnancy and Birth: The Views of Birth Practitioners in Southeast Nigeria

by Magdalena Ohaja, Jo Murphy-Lawless and Margaret Dunlea

Religions 2019, 10(2), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel10020082 - 28 Jan 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 11008

Abstract

Religion and spirituality have been acknowledged as crucial aspects of health and wellbeing. Nigeria, the most populous African country, is a multi-religious society where plural health systems (traditional and modern) co-exist. Religion is part of everyday conversation within the country and traditional healthcare providers are believed to have spiritual healing powers. Correspondingly, Nigerian women in their quest for a meaningful and comprehensive maternity care experience continue to use the plural health systems during the pregnancy birth continuum. Drawing from data collected through interviewing midwives (n = 7) and traditional birth attendants (n = 5), this paper explored the place of religion and spirituality within maternity care in the context of Igbo-Nigeria, through the lens of hermeneutic-phenomenology. Ethical approval was granted by relevant institutions and consent was obtained from each participant prior to the interviews. The findings revealed divergent views of the birth practitioners, influenced on one hand by conventional Western scientific ways of thinking, and on the other hand by traditional/cultural orientation. Healthcare professionals’ views on the place of religion and spirituality within maternity care in Igbo-Nigeria reflect societal norms, impacting either positively or negatively on women’s needs for a meaningful maternity care experience. In order to improve women’s satisfaction with their pregnancy and birth experience, it is important for the healthcare providers to pay attention to and reflect on their own religious and spiritual belief systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”)

17 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Views on Spirituality in Old Age: What Does Love Have to Do with It?

by Linda Rykkje

Religions 2019, 10(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel10010005 - 22 Dec 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4060

Abstract

This paper addresses the importance of providing spiritual care for older people within the context of nursing. Based on the author’s doctoral thesis, the importance of love in relation to spirituality and spiritual care will be discussed herein. The methodology is based upon Gadamer’s hermeneutical philosophy, and the included material is one qualitative metasynthesis, interviews of 17 older people, a research synthesis of articles concerning connectedness and love, and a book by Paul Tillich. Love in connectedness was found as a universal force in spirituality, and different forms of love emerged in relation to spiritual needs in older people care. Furthermore, love as a re-unifying and connecting force may foster confirmation of human worth and dignity, enable serving others in reciprocate love, longing towards being part of something larger than oneself, and holiness in the sense of pursuing existential meaning or religiousness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”)

15 pages, 774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Religious Behavior in Health Self-Management: A Community-Based Participatory Research Study

by Jane Pfeiffer, Hong Li, Maybelline Martez and Tim Gillespie

Religions 2018, 9(11), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9110357 - 13 Nov 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5310

Abstract

Prevalence of chronic disease, mental health problems, and risk behaviors in San Bernardino (SB) County reflect some of the worst health outcomes in the State of California and the United States. Using the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change (ITHBC) as the theoretical framework, this community-based participatory research (CBPR) study aimed to determine how religious self-regulation skills and ability, and religious behaviors, jointly affect health promotion behaviors among socio-economically challenged residents of southwest SB County, California. A convenience sample of adult residents (N = 261) completed a series of inventories to measure the relationship between modified ITHBC constructs of religious self-regulation skills, religious self-management behaviors, and health outcomes. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was conducted to validate the strong positive effect of religious self-regulation skills and ability on how frequently individuals engage in both organized and non-organized religious activities. Results also indicated a significant positive impact of religious behaviors towards healthy eating behaviors. However, without the engagement in religious activities, high religious self-regulation skills and ability inhibited the likelihood of healthy food intake. This faith-related theoretical model provides an avenue for faith-based organizations’ capacity for contributing to community health promotion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”)

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14 pages, 814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Enablement”—Spirituality Engagement in Pre-Registration Nurse Education and Practice: A Grounded Theory Investigation

by Lesline P. Lewinson, Wilfred McSherry and Peter Kevern

Religions 2018, 9(11), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9110356 - 13 Nov 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4262

Abstract

Historically, spirituality in nursing was considered a fundamental dimension, contributing to patients’ wellbeing. Accordingly, nurses are expected to attend to the spiritual needs of patients as a part of holistic nursing care, and pre-registration nurse education (that is undergraduate nurse education) has a responsibility to equip them to fulfil this aspect of their role. However, the content of spirituality in nurse education programmes lack structure and consistency, hence further investigation into the value of such education and its transferability in clinical practice is needed. Data collection was by individual interviews with 13 pre-registration participants undertaking adult nursing between March 2012 and May 2014. Each interview was digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Through theoretical sampling, data collection and analysis occurred in a cyclical manner until theoretical saturation/sufficiency was reached. The participants’ main concerns were: explaining spirituality, remembering spirituality education and content, and uncertainties about facilitating patients’ spiritual needs; these combine to form ‘having sufficient spirituality education to facilitate patients’ spiritual needs’. The substantive theory of ‘Enablement’ (make possible) was constructed to explain how the participants resolved their main concern. This investigation reveals how the participants acquire and translate spirituality education to practice, so realising holistic care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”)

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13 pages, 464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategies Christian Nurses Use to Create a Healing Environment

by Jane Pfeiffer

Religions 2018, 9(11), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9110352 - 09 Nov 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 18738

Abstract

From Nightingale forward, nursing has understood that interaction of person, nurse, and environment facilitates optimal outcomes. Yet, there remains a need for research on the paradigm concept of environment and creation of a healing environment. This classical, grounded theory study aimed to identify (1) strategies Christian nurses used to create a healing environment and enhance well-being, (2) outcomes they perceived resulting from these strategies, and (3) factors they regarded as either enhancing or inhibiting the creation of the healing environments. A criterion-based, purposive sample of Christian nurses (N = 15) was interviewed between June 2013 and January 2014 until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using constant comparative methods in consultation with a grounded theory expert. “Charting the healing path,” the core category, consists of four phases: helping patients get better, fostering the healing environment, charting a healing path, and observing outcomes. The “charting the healing path” model informs development of the environment domain of nursing knowledge. Knowing the patient, the juncture of nurse and patient points of view, and the resultant nurse–patient partnership promote best potential outcomes to be realized incrementally during, and after, hospitalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”)

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Review

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17 pages, 552 KiB

Open AccessReview

Spiritual Distress in Cancer Patients: A Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

by Helga Martins and Sílvia Caldeira

Religions 2018, 9(10), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9100285 - 20 Sep 2018

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6838

Abstract

Cancer affects individuals in all human dimensions. Cancer patients are more susceptible to spiritual distress. Several studies have addressed spiritual distress using quantitative designs; however, a qualitative approach to the experience of spiritual distress could provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. This study aims to synthesis the experience of spiritual distress as lived by cancer patients in qualitative primary studies. This is a literature review based on electronic databases search. A total of 4075 citations was identified and 23 studies were included. The most frequent qualitative research method was phenomenology (n = 15), and interviews were the main data collection method (n = 20). Two major themes have been identified related to the experience of spiritual distress: suffering and coping. Spiritual distress is an intimate, deep and suffering experience in life, which requires coping strategies and involves spiritual values and beliefs. Healthcare providers should be aware of this experience and recognize spiritual distress in cancer patients, as it is critical in providing holistic nursing care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”)

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22 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review and Characterization of Portuguese Theses, Dissertations, and Papers about Spirituality in Health

by Joana Romeiro, Helga Martins, Sara Pinto and Sílvia Caldeira

Religions 2018, 9(9), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9090271 - 11 Sep 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4354

Abstract

Research about spirituality has grown widely in the past decades and the interest in health care is also evident in Portugal. This literature review aims to identify and to characterize Portuguese theses, dissertations, and papers about spirituality in health, and to provide a systematic overview of the knowledge concerning this subject. The search was conducted in February 2017 and updated in January 2018. Four independent reviewers screened and analyzed all citations, and a total of 76 results were included. Publications started in 2002 and include master degree dissertations (n = 37), scientific papers (n = 31), and PhD theses (n = 8). Papers were published in 24 national and international journals. Most papers were psychology- and nursing-related and had a quantitative design (n = 55). Samples were mostly composed of patients living with a chronic disease (n = 20) or elderly (n = 11). The Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire (SWBQ) was the most used tool. A multidisciplinary approach is regarded as foundational in implementing spirituality in the provision of health care and the results underline the interest on this topic from other disciplines rather than nursing. Further studies must provide a deeper understanding of spirituality in children, adolescents or families’ perspective bringing new insights to advanced health practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”)

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Other

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6 pages, 326 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

Towards National Consensus: Spiritual Care in the Australian Healthcare Context

by Cheryl Holmes

Religions 2018, 9(12), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9120379 - 23 Nov 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3817

Abstract

The Enhancing Quality and Safety: Spiritual Care in Health National Consensus Conference brought together key stakeholders from across Australia to agree a national framework to ensure quality and safety in spiritual care services through a nationally consistent approach to the provision of spiritual care in Australian hospitals. A working group planned the conference that was held over two days. Invitations were distributed to a wide range of stakeholders to ensure a diversity of voices contributed to the outcomes. The conference proceedings included presentations, small group work and facilitated discussion to enable progress on the conference objective. A conference report of the key outcomes was produced and widely distributed. The national consensus conference outcomes described five principles for the design and delivery of spiritual care services for the Australian context. Ten policy statements described key deliverables that could be used to benchmark and measure a nationally consistent approach to spiritual care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Spirituality in Healthcare Conference 2018 “Spirituality at a Crossroads”)

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