Lecture Notes: Spiritual Assessment F Module

Major Goals of the Session

• Distinguish between religion/religiosity and spirituality.
• Explain the F assessment tool.

Definition of Spirituality

• Spirituality: Way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose; connectedness to self, others, nature, and the sacred.
• Broader than religion, encompasses various beliefs.

Distinction Between Spirituality and Religiosity

• Religiosity: Involvement in specific denominations with defined beliefs, rituals, and behaviors.
• Spirituality can exist without religiosity (unaffiliated individuals may still be spiritual).

Pew Center for Research Findings

1. Spiritual Peace: 65% of religiously affiliated individuals experience this weekly; 40% of unaffiliated do.
2. Wonder About the Universe: 45% of religiously affiliated vs. 47% of unaffiliated report this experience.
3. Belief in God: Nearly 90% of Americans believe in God.
4. Daily Prayer: Over half of Americans pray daily.

Impact of Spirituality/Religiosity on Health

• Studies show positive associations between spirituality/religion and health outcomes.
  • Example: Double-blind study on prayer and surgical recovery.
• 61% report religion as the most vital influence in their lives.
• 94% believe spiritual health is as crucial as physical health.
• 79% believe spiritual faith aids in coping with disease.

Importance of Spiritual Assessments in Healthcare

• In 1999, Joint Commission mandated spiritual assessments for hospitalized patients.
• Assessments should identify:
  • Patient's denomination
  • Beliefs
  • Spiritual practices

Role of Pastoral Services

• Chaplains provide services across denominations.
• They connect patients with spiritual leaders from their specific traditions.

Performing Spiritual Assessments

• Essential during:
  • Hospital admission
  • Complete health assessments
  • Discussions about advanced directives or end-of-life care.

F Spiritual Assessment Tool (Developed by Dr. Christina Pelski)

• Overview: Usable for both religious and spiritual individuals.
• Components (Mnemonic: FICA):
  • F: Faith
    • Questions about spiritual beliefs and coping mechanisms.
    • Example questions: "Do you consider yourself spiritual or religious?" "What gives your life meaning?"
  • I: Importance/Influence
    • Assess significance of faith in life (scale of 0-5).
    • Role of beliefs in healthcare decisions.
  • C: Community
    • Connection to spiritual/religious community.
    • Importance of support groups.
  • A: Address/Action
    • How to use information collected (involve spiritual leaders, provide resources).
    • Importance of facilitating spiritual needs in a hospital setting.

Documentation of Spiritual Assessments

• Include in:
  • Social history
  • History of present illness (HPI)
  • Treatment or care plans.
• Follow up on commitments made to patients regarding spiritual support.
• Utilize spiritual care sections in electronic medical records.

Goals of Spiritual Assessment

• Understand and identify patient spiritual needs.
• Coordinate resources and support based on assessment results.
• Recognize that spiritual assessment can be an intervention in itself.

Benefits of Spiritual Assessments

• Improves patient coping abilities and clinician-patient relationships.
• Enhances patient compliance and saves time in the long run.

Conclusion

• Importance of addressing both medical and spiritual needs of patients.
• Quote: "We cure sometimes, we relieve often, but we comfort always."