Spirituality in bedlam: exploring patient conversations on acute psychiatric units.
BACKGROUND
Spirituality is a complex yet vital aspect of care on acute psychiatric units. Occupational therapists play a role in engaging their clients regarding spirituality as a resource for recovery.


OBJECTIVE
This manuscript reports on Part I of a research study that explored the experience of spiritual conversations for patients (Part I) and mental health professionals (Part 2) on acute psychiatric units.


METHODS
Community-based participatory research framed the project philosophically and relationally, and interpretive description defined the data collection, data analysis, and dissemination methods.


RESULTS
Seven inpatients on acute psychiatric units participated in interviews or focus groups. Authentic spiritual conversation that was not associated with mental illness symptoms proved difficult to initiate on inpatient psychiatric units. Participants desired direct questioning and the provision of optional spiritual resources.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapists can make a range of spirituality educational resources available for clients. They can also advocate for clients' spiritual needs in the acute context.
Sharon
S
Smith
Melinda J
MJ
Suto
D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D036301:Qualitative Research; D029181:Spirituality