Christians’ Perceptions of Receiving Spiritual Care in the Bible Belt of the United States: A Qualitative Study of Care Provided in the Healthcare Setting

Abstract

The need to include the spiritual dimension when assessing clients and planning their healthcare is evident from numerous studies conducted by various disciplines. Practitioners of holistic care agree that spiritual care must be included to address fully the needs of clients. The aim of this qualitative research was to explore and document the stories of clients regarding the role healthcare professionals provide in spiritual care. A hermeneutical phenomenological approach was used to interview, document, and analyze the stories of 15 participants (n = 15) regarding their perceptions of spiritual care received or given during times of illness. Initially, only one participant mentioned the role of doctors and nurses in providing spiritual care. After specifically asking about spiritual care, half of the participants shared that they had received spiritual care. Prayer as a mode of spiritual care emerged as a prominent theme. Lack of spiritual care received was documented. The hesitancy to provide spiritual care was evident in participants who were also healthcare providers. More research is needed to further define spiritual care. Education regarding spiritual assessments and spiritual care strategies is needed for both patients and healthcare providers.

Incorporating Faith into Ethics Education

“…The anticipated outcomes of integrating Scripture and the Code are that students will be more comfortable addressing patients' spiritual needs and will infuse nursing tasks with a high degree of caring and integrity. McDowell and South (2017) concluded that their research supports the evidence that an "individual healthcare worker's understanding of spirituality affects how the spiritual dimension is addressed or neglected in patient care" (p. 8). Helping students understand and uphold the Code while considering a biblical worldview will provide a framework in which nurses feel confi dent in providing highquality spiritual care to patients and families, regardless of the circumstances.…”

Use of Prayer as Complementary Therapy by Christian Adults in the Bible Belt of the United States

“…All of the participants are residents of a southern region of the United States known as the "Bible Belt". In the United States, the term "Bible Belt" generally pertains to a region that stretches from northern Texas to western North Carolina, and from Mississippi to Kentucky and is associated with fundamentalist Protestantism, puritanical mores, social conservatism, and a belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible (Brunn et al 2011;McDowell and South 2017;Sahl and Batson 2011). This region differs from other regions because it has a distinct culture based on church involvement and religious ideology (Sahl and Batson 2011).…”