A structured spiritual service for cancer patients and families: Analysis of attendee responses

Abstract

8133 Background: Compared to reported importance of religion and spirituality to Americans, investigation and reporting of attendee satisfaction and emotional response to spiritual programs for cancer patients and families is lacking. Methods: The content of a program, A Sacred Gathering for Those Touched by Cancer, was developed with clergy of different denominations and presented in two Catholic and two Protestant churches. The service included key themes (surrendering fear, peace, hope, community support, and God's love) reinforced by Scripture, music, ritual and prayer. Patient and staff participation was encouraged. Questionnaires evaluating attendee characteristics, emotional reaction to the service and satisfaction with service components were distributed. Results: Attendees returned 450 questionnaires. Most were women (80%) and Catholic (71%); half were over age 50. Most found the service very (83%) or somewhat (14%) helpful. In a stepwise regression model, perception that the service was helpful was associated with perception that the service made the respondent feel hopeful (p<.0001), that the respondent attached importance to inspirational messages (p=.058), and that the respondent was a current patient (p=.018). Stepwise regression also indicated those patients who reported an angry response tended to be current patients (p=0.0044). Men tended to feel less loved by God (p=0.012) and people (p=0.034), and less hopeful (p=0.057) than women. Men liked music less (p=0.048), the Scripture and prayers concerning community less (p=0.040), and found prayer (p=0.0035) and the litany of hope (p=0.043) less important than women. However, men felt that the gatherings were as helpful as women did. Evaluation of attendee characteristics reveals that past patients felt less sadness than others (p=.0084) while current patients felt more anger (p=.0010). Conclusions: While almost all attendees found the service somewhat or very helpful, distinct preferences and reactions to the service were noted for gender, patient status and religious affiliation. This evaluation will help tailor future events to better meet the spiritual needs of cancer patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.