Abstract
Abstract Introduction Spiritual Care (SC) is crucial for the holistic care of patients. Findings from a needs assessment conducted on an 8-bed burn Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (n=34, 88% response rate) revealed 90.3% of nurses believed SC was important for the overall care of their patient, but only 13% felt confident to provide the religious care. Of the respondents, 77% had come across a time when they were unable to obtain SC for their patients. The survey revealed 39% were interested in obtaining education to enhance their provision of holistic care. Based on this data, we developed and pilot tested an innovative SC educational course to examine feasibility, learning, and preliminary outcomes. Methods The IRB-approved study involved a two-hour evidence-informed class developed by a burn nurse and chaplain. The course was offered on a voluntary basis for all nurses in the critical care division (5 units overall). The class consisted of PowerPoint presentation, case studies and practice utilizing spiritual care assessment tools. Data was collected before and after the class at one- and two-months post class completion. Results Participants (n=12) were mostly female (82%), Bachelors prepared (82%), affiliated as Christian (73%) and had not had spiritual education in the past (73%). Nurses also agreed the spiritual assessment tools were useful and they were confident using them. Mean total score for Nurses’ Spiritual Care Practice increased 14% over time. Practices with the largest increases included reading/offering spiritual writings to patients (67/57%) and documentation of meeting spiritual needs (40%). The Spiritual Care Perspective scale increased 7% overall with changes in the beliefs of SC being a significant part of Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) (10% increase), the domain of APN includes SC (15% increase) and nurses should assist a patient in using his/her spiritual resources to cope with illness (9% increase). At 2-months post training, participants felt comfortable (4.25/5.0 and confident (4.0/5.0) providing SC. Conclusions SC is an essential element of holistic nursing practice that has become even more relevant in this pandemic year. Our 2-hour educational class was considered well organized, provided relevant education and tools for use, and increased nurses confidence, comfort, and documentation of providing SC to their patients.
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