The forgotten heart of care: a model of spiritual care in the National Health Service

Spirituality within Dementia Care: Perceptions of Health Professionals

“…Much literature has been published about spirituality and health care (Cressey and Winbolt-Lewis 2000, Speck et al 2004, Mental Health Foundation 2007. Through the use of various mental and physical health standardised outcome measures, Koenig et al (2004) established that religion and spirituality have a positive effect on the psychological health, and to some extent the physical health, of older people.…”

“…If such a prompt is added to the initial documentation, it needs to result in action. Previous literature has identified that it is often the case that a patient's religion is noted but there is no follow-up (Cressey andWinbolt-Lewis 2000, Wallace 2004). As well as a clear definition of spirituality, an assessment could help health professionals to feel more confident about spirituality.…”

Religiosity influences on bereavement adjustments of older widows in Taiwan

“…‘Religion’ refers to an individual’s attachment to a particular system of beliefs, values, rules of conduct and rituals. Religious faith offers meanings and purpose to suffering, as well as a reason for living (Cressey & Winbolt‐Lewis 2000) and in Taiwan can include Protestant, Catholic, Buddhist, Taoist and folk beliefs. ‘Religiosity’ refers to how people express their religious beliefs and practices and the importance given to them (Markides 1983).…”

The ‘Connection’ Health Care Providers Make with Dying Patients

“…It is the nurse who is available to the patient 24 hours a day and there is acceptance that nurses act as 'brokers' to chaplaincy services. Bolmsjo (2000) found that patients request that nurses discuss spiritual issues and Cressey and Winbolt-Lewis (2000) argue that spiritual care is neither the sole responsibility and province of chaplains working within a religious framework nor 'only connected with death and dying ' (2000, p. 170). However, the other two features of this earlier model, the 'environment' within which practice occurs and 'educational preparation,' impact on the nurse's ability to offer spiritual care.…”