Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Mental Health Nursing, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Development Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2 Department of Religion, Islamic Studies Center, Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Qom, Iran
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: For Muslim patients confronted with chronic diseases, spirituality is an important
resource for coping. These patients expect the health team to take care of the spiritual aspects. This
study aimed to explore the spiritual aspects of care for chronic Muslim patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative‑descriptive exploratory study was conducted in
Isfahan, Iran, on a purposive sample of 25 participants, including patients, caregivers, nurses,
physicians, psychologists, social workers, and religious counselors. Data were collected through
semi‑structured interviews and analyzed through conventional content analysis.
RESULTS: The spiritual aspects of care for chronic Muslim patients fell into four main themes.
The first theme was religious aspect with the three subthemes of doing religious rituals, attention
to religious values, and providing the possibility of performing religious practices. The second
theme, i.e., pastoral aspect, consisted of three subthemes, namely giving consultation for finding
the meaning of life/death, helping to achieve intellectual transcendence, and improve the patient’s
communication with herself/himself and others. The third theme was psychological aspect, the four
subthemes of which included instilling calm to the patient, helping the patient to adapt, instilling hope,
and empathy. Finally, the fourth theme was a supportive aspect and included the four subthemes of
maintaining patient’s basic needs, continuity of care at home, creating awareness, and acceptance
and observance of patient’s respect.
CONCLUSION: Providing care based on the spiritual needs of chronic patients requires knowledge
and skills that the health‑care team need to provide through inter professional collaboration.
Keywords
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