The spiritual dimension of palliative care.
OBJECTIVE
To review the relevant literature about spirituality and palliation in oncology and to suggest a model for framing and understanding the spiritual themes oncology patients may present.


METHODS
Research studies, review articles, and books related to spirituality, palliation, patient and staff preferences, family therapy, and culture.


CONCLUSIONS
Spirituality/religion is a significant element in the lives of most Americans and plays a role in coping with crisis events such as cancer. Responding to the spiritual dimension is an important part of palliative care.


CONCLUSIONS
Caregivers must learn and use appropriate assessment protocols and include appropriate spiritual/religious interventions in careplans.
Burton
L A
LA
Department of Religion, Health and Human Values, College of Health Science, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012067:Religion