n CME : Your SA Journal of CPD - Spiritual aspects of palliative care : more about... palliative care

Abstract

There is a growing recognition of the importance of spiritual care in providing quality care to patients with life-threatening illnesses. Subsequently, attention to spiritual issues is increasingly being expected of the health professional. The WHO definition of palliative care includes spiritual care as an aspect of improving the quality of life of patients facing death. Medical doctors are skilled in and comfortable with providing physical care. Psychosocial issues are recognised with appropriate referral to a social worker. However, spiritual care is not easily addressed.