Evans CB, Larimore LR, Grasmick VE. Hospital Chaplains, Spirituality, and Pain Management: A Qualitative Study.
Pain Manag Nurs 2024;
25:75-79. [PMID:
38129210 DOI:
10.1016/j.pmn.2023.11.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Nurses include spirituality in holistic nursing care of persons in pain. However, there is a lack of awareness of spiritual suffering and the role of chaplains and spiritual care in pain management.
AIM
The purpose of this pilot is to report hospital chaplains' qualitative report of spirituality and pain management in an acute care setting.
METHOD
This qualitative inquiry pilot involved guided interviews of hospital chaplains on their role in pain management. A thematic analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Spiritual suffering in people in pain was the dominant theme. This included spiritual fear, and nurses suffering as a witness to pain. Chaplain interventions was a theme that involved spiritual support to persons in pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Spiritual suffering can occur in people in pain. An early consultation with hospital chaplains can augment pain management. A person in pain may experience spiritual suffering and a chaplain can provide the appropriate assessment and intervention.
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