Understanding the outcomes of spiritual care as experienced by patients

In moving toward professionalising spiritual care in the healthcare system, as an equal partner in whole person care, it has become increasingly important to develop an evidence base for spiritual care interventions, their value and longer-term outcomes for those receiving this care. This study utilised hard copy questionnaires across five Australian general hospitals to investigate patient reported outcomes of in-patient spiritual care. The survey included the Scottish Patient Reported Outcomes Measure (PROM), measures of patient experience and an open-ended question about experience of care. Data indicated a positive correlation between positive experience of spiritual care and a high score on PROM. Qualitative data elaborated on if and how the spiritual care received met patients' needs, the qualities they valued in the provider of this care and impacts of the care they experienced. Further development of the PROM in a variety of situations is however recommended.