Moorrees, Charissa
Spirituality, Quality of life and Intensive care: is there room for empathy?
Master thesis, Master Geestelijke Verzorging.
Abstract
Intensive care can be traumatic and patients can develop Post Intensive Care Syndrome, which includes long-lasting and persistent psychiatric, cognitive and physical impairments. Spirituality has been shown to contribute in positively coping with illnesses and drastic operations. This mixed-method study retrospectively explored the self-identified spirituality and spiritual needs of patients during the ICU, and how they relate to quality of life and meaning-making at 3-6 months after discharge. Participants were four female patients recruited between three to six months after leaving intensive care. They completed an online questionnaire and a structured email interview. The online questionnaire measured sociodemographic information, religiosity, spirituality, and quality of life. The interview investigated how participants experienced spirituality and (spiritual) care from healthcare professionals in the intensive care unit and how this affected their own quality of life. Results showed the emergence of a core theme (dealing with uncertainty) and three main themes (needs, loss of control, care professionals). The results further highlighted that spiritual care should be provided with expertise to help reduce uncertainty and promote better coping. Limitations of the study were a small sample size and methodological issues by using an email interview. Future research should focus on further investigating the specific mechanisms that relate spirituality to quality of life during the ICU, and what part spiritual care and care professionals communication can play in moderating that effect.
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