title: A competency model for the assessment and delivery of spiritual care.
abstract: The delivery of spiritual and religious care has received a high profile in national reports, guidelines and standards since the start of the millennium, yet there is, to date, no recognized definition of spirituality or spiritual care nor a validated assessment tool. This article suggests an alternative to the search for a definition and assessment tool, and seeks to set spiritual care in a practical context by offering a model for spiritual assessment and care based on the individual competence of all healthcare professionals to deliver spiritual and religious care. Through the evaluation of a pilot study to familiarize staff with the Spiritual and Religious Care Competencies for Specialist Palliative Care developed by Marie Curie Cancer Care, the authors conclude that competencies are a viable and crucial first step in 'earthing' spiritual care in practice, and evidencing this illusive area of care.
authors.affiliation: Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, UK. tom.gordon@mariecurie.org.uk
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010166:Palliative Care; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D012067:Religion; D029181:Spirituality