Most patients use figurative and abstract language when discussing their
spiritual beliefs, a spiritual assessment often involves listening carefully to
the stories that patients tell about their lives and illnesses, and then
decoding the spiritual issues that are implied (Saguil, 2012). A spiritual
assessment can be done at any point during a medical appointment. This is
important because it allows the healthcare provider to assess the patient's
spiritual needs early on, and to make adjustments to the treatment plan as
needed.
Most patients use figurative and abstract language when discussing their
spiritual beliefs. This means that the healthcare provider needs to be careful
not to misinterpret what the patient is saying. For example, if a patient says
that they feel "lost," it may not mean that they are literally lost. It could
mean that they are feeling adrift in their lives, or that they are struggling to
find meaning in their illness.
A spiritual assessment often involves listening carefully to the stories that
patients tell about their lives and illnesses. This is because the stories that
patients tell can reveal a lot about their spiritual beliefs. For example, if a
patient tells a story about how they found strength in their faith during a
difficult time, it suggests that their faith is an important source of support for
them.
Reference
Saguil, A. & Phelps, K. (2012). The spiritual assessment .American Academy of Family Physicians.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/78dc/ca463d6be5f188ee15b46af339701afeba1d.pdf
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