Abstract
The spiritual dimension is considered to be a central component of palliative care. However, healthcare professionals have difficulties incorporating the spiritual dimension into their everyday practice. We propose a new approach by looking beyond the mere functionality of care practices. Rituals and ritualized practices can serve to express and communicate meanings and values. This article explores how ritualized practices have the ability to open up space for the spiritual dimension of care in the context of palliative care.
Highlights
In both theory and practice, the spiritual dimension of palliative care is receiving increasing attention
Studies in different countries worldwide show that both patients and healthcare professionals view spiritual care as an essential component of treatment and care practice (Giezendanner et al 2017; Wittenberg et al 2016)
A current trend in research and practice is to confine the complex concept of spirituality into models, tools, and methods that focus on intervention
Summary
In both theory and practice, the spiritual dimension of palliative care is receiving increasing attention. Sharing stories about the deceased can be therapeutic and emphasize a continuing bond with the deceased (Klass et al 1996) This formal ritual shows how the spiritual dimension of care is addressed by healthcare professionals through practice. In the context of palliative care, there are numerous examples of ritualized acts that provide a sense of meaning to patients, families, and healthcare professionals. This can range from small and seemingly simple acts to bigger and more structured acts. The ritual is therapeutic because it helps the nurses to deal with the harsh reality of death This act shows the sacredness of human body and life because the patient is cared for in the same way before and after death. These types of actions create space for the spiritual dimension of care, a space in which meaning and value can be produced and communicated
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