Spirituality in palliative care: what language do we need?

Abstract

This article considers the language of spirituality in palliative care (Byrne, 2002; 2007), and focuses on the concepts of metaphor and story, demonstrated in practice by the art project and publication at The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice (PPWH), Glasgow, UK. Metaphors have been used in everyday speech and literature throughout history. The word 'cancer' is a metaphor itself traced back to Hippocrates in the 5th century BC. Stanworth (2004) concluded that metaphor can draw attention to aspects of the patient's experience that might otherwise be overlooked. In palliative care the metaphor of the journey is often used to describe the experience of illness. Cicely Saunders (2000) described it as a spiritual journey, demonstrating opportunities for growth and development, hope and discovery. As professionals we share that journey. Stories often include metaphoric images and give an understanding of the uniqueness of individual fear and inner need. Cullen and Alcock describe creative expression as the process of unraveling a story (2007). The creative arts project at PPWH bears witness to this.