The Vital Role of Chaplains in Outpatient Palliative Care
Palliative care has been making significant changes over the last few years. No longer are we sending everyone to the hospital to spend their last few precious days and hours in a sterile environment. Many people are choosing to spend this time in their own home, surrounded by their loved ones. But where does spirituality fit into this new model?
The author discusses a study that outlines the three core spiritual needs of everyone at end of life: a need for meaning and direction; a need to feel self-worth and belonging to community; and a need to love and be loved, including seeking reconciliation for broken relationships when needed. By addressing these needs, the study found that there were increases in several aspects of the spiritual well-being of the clients.