The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with various painful symptoms and ... more The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with various painful symptoms and could potentially lead to a significant increase in patients experiencing chronic pain. While churches had to close their doors during the pandemic, emerging scientific data suggest that, when our spiritual needs are not met, our well-being can be in jeopardy, and it could also increase the experience of physical pain. The aim of this article is, therefore, to explore the role that spirituality and religion could play in addressing physical pain. An interdisciplinary approach is used with the goal of integrating different insights so as to construct a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. Literature in the disciplines of humanities, health sciences, as well as social sciences is explored to identify the concepts of physical, social and spiritual pain and to explore the link between the different dimensions of pain. It became clear that physical, social, and spiritual pain can influence one another, and addressing one kind of pain can also improve pain in another dimension. Several spiritual and religious interventions were found in the literature and confirmed to be valuable in helping patients cope with physical pain, such as accepting and giving meaning to pain, prayer, meditation, scripture, music, support from the religious community and helping others.
A core element of spirituality implies the search for meaning and making sense of illness, pain a... more A core element of spirituality implies the search for meaning and making sense of illness, pain and suffering (IPS). What children are taught regarding the meaning of IPS might determine how they will experience hospitalisation and medical encounters. This study forms part of a larger study into the role Christian churches play in rendering spiritual support to children in the healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe: (1) the viewpoints of the different Christian churches in South Africa with regard to IPS, and (2) the way these viewpoints are communicated to children. An explorative-descriptive, qualitative research design was used and semi-structured interviews, consisting of a set of open-ended questions, were conducted with representatives of the major church groups of the Christian faith in South Africa. The viewpoints on IPS, as expressed by the representatives from the different churches, were diverse and often conflicting, and the following themes emerged: (1) The role of God, (2) Evil forces, (3) Sin, (4) The greater good, (5) Physical, (6) A broken world. This study has demonstrated that the viewpoints on IPS is quite variable within Christian churches, and it is important to be aware of this when interacting with children in a health care setting as their viewpoints on IPS may be expected to be divergent as well.
Spirituality and healthcare have been dependent on and supported one another from the earliest ti... more Spirituality and healthcare have been dependent on and supported one another from the earliest times. However, this marriage eventually found itself in stormy waters and parted ways, blaming scientific advances in healthcare for the split. But, as in any broken marriage, the story usually has two sides, and the blame for this split cannot be put squarely on science. In fact, scientific research is now trying to bridge the gap, whereas in the field of Christian spirituality, some are even opposing medical practices and the use of medicine as it could portray a belief in the science of healthcare, as opposed to God. These beliefs only serve to widen the gap between spirituality and healthcare, alienating Christianity from healthcare. If we want to restore the marriage between spirituality and healthcare, it is important to reflect on these beliefs. The purpose of this article is therefore to explore and critically reflect on the relationship between spirituality and healthcare from a Christian perspective. The objective is to identify and address beliefs that are alienating Christianity from healthcare, arguing that, rather than opposing medical practices, we could stand in awe of scientific healthcare.
Disability is usually regarded as a barrier that prevents human flourishing. In Politics, Aristot... more Disability is usually regarded as a barrier that prevents human flourishing. In Politics, Aristotle makes the claim that there should be “a law that no deformed child shall live”). Children living with disabilities face many challenges in their external and internal environment. The way in which we approach children with disabilities is often different from how we would approach nondisabled children. But disability is not a barrier that prevents human flourishing. What should be considered instead are the barriers that we, as a society as well as religious communities, put up to prevent children with a disability from flourishing. The author argues that children with disabilities are not only allowed to live, but also capable of living well and even flourishing. The author explores and critically reflects on human flourishing in children living with a disability from the context of the interdisciplinary field of Christian Spirituality and Healthcare.
Proceedings of the 2nd Biennial South African Conference on Spirituality and Healthcare, 2018
Children can find a hospital stay traumatic, and they need all kinds of
support to cope with the ... more Children can find a hospital stay traumatic, and they need all kinds of support to cope with the experience, including spiritual support. Children themselves value their own spiritual support highly, but research in this area is limited. The purpose of this study therefore was to gain insight into the topic, exploring and describing current practices of spiritual support rendered to children in hospital by churches of the Christian faith. A core element of spirituality is the search for meaning and making sense of illness, pain and suffering; the viewpoints of the different churches in this regard were therefore also explored to gain an understanding of how churches would explain illness, pain and suffering to children. An explorative-descriptive qualitative research design was used during this study and semi-structured interviews, consisting of a set of open-ended questions, were conducted with representatives of the major church groups of the Christian faith in South Africa. In general, all churches consider it important to visit the child in hospital, but different themes emerged with regard to what constitutes spiritual support, and different views were expressed with regard to illness, pain and suffering.
Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 157 (March 2017):120-134
In today’s modern, technologic... more Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 157 (March 2017):120-134
In today’s modern, technologically advanced hospitals there is seldom room for religion and religious practices, and the spiritual care of children is overlooked. Increasingly, however, evidence from research shows how important spiritual support is for children in healthcare environments. Children are much more in tune with their own spirituality than they are often given credit for. Not only is there evidence of positive effects arising when children’s spiritual needs are met, but children themselves tend to place a high priority on their own spiritual support when in hospital. This article explores the link between a child’s health and his/her spirituality. It takes into account events from the past that shaped current practices in healthcare, and advocates that religion be relocated back to children who are in hospital.
Children themselves place a high value on their own spiritual care when in hospital. However, the... more Children themselves place a high value on their own spiritual care when in hospital. However, the spiritual care of children in hospital is often overlooked. Hospitalisation and medical procedures can be traumatic and overwhelming for children, they often see hospitalisation as punishment for something they did wrong and they can even experience spiritual distress during illness and suffering. The spiritual care of hospitalised children should thus be a priority to help these children making sense of pain and suffering, and assisting them to connect with a loving and forgiving God. Spirituality namely influences a diverse range of human concerns such as beliefs about illness and health, fears, relationships with family and friends and the experience of pain and suffering. Unfortunately, children often harbour misconceptions precisely in these areas. This article will draw directly on the given that children are concrete thinkers, yet able to have an understanding of holiness and God as the Holy One, if they receive the right guidance. The study will explore children’s spirituality and the way in which they experience holiness in the healthcare environment from a nursing science perspective.
A hospital experience can be terrifying for a young child and has the potential to overwhelm and ... more A hospital experience can be terrifying for a young child and has the potential to overwhelm and traumatise a child. Misconceptions with regards to illness, pain and suffering are frequently held and children may believe that they are being punished for something they did wrong. The focus in hospital is often on the human body, and a greater emphasis on the emotional and spiritual support of children is much needed. The main argument of this article is that we as human beings consist of body, mind and spirit, and this is illustrated by three vessels, depicting the needs that should be addressed in each of these domains, namely bodily needs, psychological needs and spiritual needs. This distinction is crucial in order to identify correctly the specific spiritualneeds of children in hospital. The argument is made from a nursing perspective, but it is important that professionals from within the hospital environment as well as people and organisations from outside this environment work together to ensure that the spiritual vessel of the child is adequately nurtured.
Juta's Manual of Nursing: Health Care Priorities (Volume 3), 2005
The aim of this chapter is to introduce the comprehensively trained nurse, who is not a paediatri... more The aim of this chapter is to introduce the comprehensively trained nurse, who is not a paediatric nurse specialist, to key aspects of managing the infant/child patient. Children are not mini-adults and they require a specific approach.
Proceedings of the 2nd Biennial South African Conference on Spirituality and Healthcare, 2018
Illness causes an existential crisis for people as it confronts them with the fragility, vulnerab... more Illness causes an existential crisis for people as it confronts them with the fragility, vulnerability and finitude of the human condition. Serious illness and hospitalisation can be challenging and life changing experiences, especially in a context with poor resources and/or limited support. Healthcare workers meet patients in this space of disarray. Human qualities, such as faith, hope and compassion become crucial aspects of care. Patient’s responses to these qualities highlight the importance of spirituality as part of holistic care, not only for the patient and their families, but also for the healthcare worker. This conference brought together leading experts from different disciplines and offered a variety of perspectives to explore the ways in which spirituality interacts with healing, growth and wholeness in healthcare. This volume addresses principles and practices for spirituality and healthcare, spiritual assessment, the role of community psychology, models of spiritual care, volunteers and children’s spirituality in healthcare.
Empowering Children in a Haematology-Oncology Unit: A model for the facilitation of support, 2011
Hospitalisation can be very traumatic for children – and this is especially true for the child ad... more Hospitalisation can be very traumatic for children – and this is especially true for the child admitted to a haematology-oncology unit. These children are subjected to an environment which they do not understand, nor have any control over, they are faced with many unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells and they have to undergo frightening and often painful procedures. In South Africa, there are no associations responsible for monitoring the environment that children are subjected to in hospital; neither does any Child Life Specialists, Hospital Play Therapists or scientifically based programs exist that can ensure that the psychosocial needs of children in hospital are met. The purpose of this study was to develop and describe a model for the facilitation of support for children through the mobilisation of resources according to their needs in a haematology-oncology unit in the private healthcare sector of South Africa. The following research questions were asked: • What are the needs...
Resources relevant to Palliative Care and COVID-19, 2020
Current health contexts are inundated with seriously ill COVID-19 patients who are suffering deep... more Current health contexts are inundated with seriously ill COVID-19 patients who are suffering deeply - especially in the context of isolation from family members - and in desperate need of spiritual care.
Palliative care recognises the role of spirituality in the care of patients with serious illness. Many organisations have developed recommendations for the integration of spiritual care in palliative care. Spirituality is defined broadly as a “dynamic and intrinsic aspect of humanity through which persons seek ultimate meaning, purpose, and transcendence, and experience relationship to self, family, others, community, society, nature, and the significant or sacred. Spirituality is expressed through beliefs, values, traditions, and practices.” The practice of interprofessional spiritual care is based on a generalist-specialist model of care: providers address spiritual concerns and work with spiritual care specialists in treating spiritual distress. Studies to support this area of care include association of spiritual distress with quality of life, physical pain, depression and anxiety. Receiving a diagnosis of COVID-19 can raise intense questions regarding one’s mortality, resulting in spiritual distress.
Resources relevant to Palliative Care and COVID-19, 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic is intensifying existing health system inequities associated with disabilit... more The Covid-19 pandemic is intensifying existing health system inequities associated with disabilities (UN 2020). Persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, both children and adults, are likely to become more vulnerable due to Covid-19. One billion people worldwide are living with a disability: 46% are older than 60, and 80% live in a developing country. Palliative care supports the dignity of persons with disabilities, who are often subjected to discrimination, abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) and social exclusion (WHO, 2011). Disability is strongly associated with increased rates of multidimensional poverty, decreased rates of education and employment, and higher medical expenses (Mitra et al., 2013). The pre-pandemic world was already one of isolation for many people with disabilities. (Disability Rights Fund 2020) In many countries persons with disabilities (PWD) do not receive palliative care and health care staff do not understand the need for palliative care for persons with disabilities. Communication difficulties result in undetected pain and failure to report symptoms, leading to deterioration of physical and/or mental health. Spiritual support in palliative care is often neglected in the care of PWD especially those with intellectual or communication disabilities.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with various painful symptoms and ... more The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with various painful symptoms and could potentially lead to a significant increase in patients experiencing chronic pain. While churches had to close their doors during the pandemic, emerging scientific data suggest that, when our spiritual needs are not met, our well-being can be in jeopardy, and it could also increase the experience of physical pain. The aim of this article is, therefore, to explore the role that spirituality and religion could play in addressing physical pain. An interdisciplinary approach is used with the goal of integrating different insights so as to construct a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. Literature in the disciplines of humanities, health sciences, as well as social sciences is explored to identify the concepts of physical, social and spiritual pain and to explore the link between the different dimensions of pain. It became clear that physical, social, and spiritual pain can influence one another, and addressing one kind of pain can also improve pain in another dimension. Several spiritual and religious interventions were found in the literature and confirmed to be valuable in helping patients cope with physical pain, such as accepting and giving meaning to pain, prayer, meditation, scripture, music, support from the religious community and helping others.
A core element of spirituality implies the search for meaning and making sense of illness, pain a... more A core element of spirituality implies the search for meaning and making sense of illness, pain and suffering (IPS). What children are taught regarding the meaning of IPS might determine how they will experience hospitalisation and medical encounters. This study forms part of a larger study into the role Christian churches play in rendering spiritual support to children in the healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe: (1) the viewpoints of the different Christian churches in South Africa with regard to IPS, and (2) the way these viewpoints are communicated to children. An explorative-descriptive, qualitative research design was used and semi-structured interviews, consisting of a set of open-ended questions, were conducted with representatives of the major church groups of the Christian faith in South Africa. The viewpoints on IPS, as expressed by the representatives from the different churches, were diverse and often conflicting, and the following themes emerged: (1) The role of God, (2) Evil forces, (3) Sin, (4) The greater good, (5) Physical, (6) A broken world. This study has demonstrated that the viewpoints on IPS is quite variable within Christian churches, and it is important to be aware of this when interacting with children in a health care setting as their viewpoints on IPS may be expected to be divergent as well.
Spirituality and healthcare have been dependent on and supported one another from the earliest ti... more Spirituality and healthcare have been dependent on and supported one another from the earliest times. However, this marriage eventually found itself in stormy waters and parted ways, blaming scientific advances in healthcare for the split. But, as in any broken marriage, the story usually has two sides, and the blame for this split cannot be put squarely on science. In fact, scientific research is now trying to bridge the gap, whereas in the field of Christian spirituality, some are even opposing medical practices and the use of medicine as it could portray a belief in the science of healthcare, as opposed to God. These beliefs only serve to widen the gap between spirituality and healthcare, alienating Christianity from healthcare. If we want to restore the marriage between spirituality and healthcare, it is important to reflect on these beliefs. The purpose of this article is therefore to explore and critically reflect on the relationship between spirituality and healthcare from a Christian perspective. The objective is to identify and address beliefs that are alienating Christianity from healthcare, arguing that, rather than opposing medical practices, we could stand in awe of scientific healthcare.
Disability is usually regarded as a barrier that prevents human flourishing. In Politics, Aristot... more Disability is usually regarded as a barrier that prevents human flourishing. In Politics, Aristotle makes the claim that there should be “a law that no deformed child shall live”). Children living with disabilities face many challenges in their external and internal environment. The way in which we approach children with disabilities is often different from how we would approach nondisabled children. But disability is not a barrier that prevents human flourishing. What should be considered instead are the barriers that we, as a society as well as religious communities, put up to prevent children with a disability from flourishing. The author argues that children with disabilities are not only allowed to live, but also capable of living well and even flourishing. The author explores and critically reflects on human flourishing in children living with a disability from the context of the interdisciplinary field of Christian Spirituality and Healthcare.
Proceedings of the 2nd Biennial South African Conference on Spirituality and Healthcare, 2018
Children can find a hospital stay traumatic, and they need all kinds of
support to cope with the ... more Children can find a hospital stay traumatic, and they need all kinds of support to cope with the experience, including spiritual support. Children themselves value their own spiritual support highly, but research in this area is limited. The purpose of this study therefore was to gain insight into the topic, exploring and describing current practices of spiritual support rendered to children in hospital by churches of the Christian faith. A core element of spirituality is the search for meaning and making sense of illness, pain and suffering; the viewpoints of the different churches in this regard were therefore also explored to gain an understanding of how churches would explain illness, pain and suffering to children. An explorative-descriptive qualitative research design was used during this study and semi-structured interviews, consisting of a set of open-ended questions, were conducted with representatives of the major church groups of the Christian faith in South Africa. In general, all churches consider it important to visit the child in hospital, but different themes emerged with regard to what constitutes spiritual support, and different views were expressed with regard to illness, pain and suffering.
Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 157 (March 2017):120-134
In today’s modern, technologic... more Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 157 (March 2017):120-134
In today’s modern, technologically advanced hospitals there is seldom room for religion and religious practices, and the spiritual care of children is overlooked. Increasingly, however, evidence from research shows how important spiritual support is for children in healthcare environments. Children are much more in tune with their own spirituality than they are often given credit for. Not only is there evidence of positive effects arising when children’s spiritual needs are met, but children themselves tend to place a high priority on their own spiritual support when in hospital. This article explores the link between a child’s health and his/her spirituality. It takes into account events from the past that shaped current practices in healthcare, and advocates that religion be relocated back to children who are in hospital.
Children themselves place a high value on their own spiritual care when in hospital. However, the... more Children themselves place a high value on their own spiritual care when in hospital. However, the spiritual care of children in hospital is often overlooked. Hospitalisation and medical procedures can be traumatic and overwhelming for children, they often see hospitalisation as punishment for something they did wrong and they can even experience spiritual distress during illness and suffering. The spiritual care of hospitalised children should thus be a priority to help these children making sense of pain and suffering, and assisting them to connect with a loving and forgiving God. Spirituality namely influences a diverse range of human concerns such as beliefs about illness and health, fears, relationships with family and friends and the experience of pain and suffering. Unfortunately, children often harbour misconceptions precisely in these areas. This article will draw directly on the given that children are concrete thinkers, yet able to have an understanding of holiness and God as the Holy One, if they receive the right guidance. The study will explore children’s spirituality and the way in which they experience holiness in the healthcare environment from a nursing science perspective.
A hospital experience can be terrifying for a young child and has the potential to overwhelm and ... more A hospital experience can be terrifying for a young child and has the potential to overwhelm and traumatise a child. Misconceptions with regards to illness, pain and suffering are frequently held and children may believe that they are being punished for something they did wrong. The focus in hospital is often on the human body, and a greater emphasis on the emotional and spiritual support of children is much needed. The main argument of this article is that we as human beings consist of body, mind and spirit, and this is illustrated by three vessels, depicting the needs that should be addressed in each of these domains, namely bodily needs, psychological needs and spiritual needs. This distinction is crucial in order to identify correctly the specific spiritualneeds of children in hospital. The argument is made from a nursing perspective, but it is important that professionals from within the hospital environment as well as people and organisations from outside this environment work together to ensure that the spiritual vessel of the child is adequately nurtured.
Juta's Manual of Nursing: Health Care Priorities (Volume 3), 2005
The aim of this chapter is to introduce the comprehensively trained nurse, who is not a paediatri... more The aim of this chapter is to introduce the comprehensively trained nurse, who is not a paediatric nurse specialist, to key aspects of managing the infant/child patient. Children are not mini-adults and they require a specific approach.
Proceedings of the 2nd Biennial South African Conference on Spirituality and Healthcare, 2018
Illness causes an existential crisis for people as it confronts them with the fragility, vulnerab... more Illness causes an existential crisis for people as it confronts them with the fragility, vulnerability and finitude of the human condition. Serious illness and hospitalisation can be challenging and life changing experiences, especially in a context with poor resources and/or limited support. Healthcare workers meet patients in this space of disarray. Human qualities, such as faith, hope and compassion become crucial aspects of care. Patient’s responses to these qualities highlight the importance of spirituality as part of holistic care, not only for the patient and their families, but also for the healthcare worker. This conference brought together leading experts from different disciplines and offered a variety of perspectives to explore the ways in which spirituality interacts with healing, growth and wholeness in healthcare. This volume addresses principles and practices for spirituality and healthcare, spiritual assessment, the role of community psychology, models of spiritual care, volunteers and children’s spirituality in healthcare.
Empowering Children in a Haematology-Oncology Unit: A model for the facilitation of support, 2011
Hospitalisation can be very traumatic for children – and this is especially true for the child ad... more Hospitalisation can be very traumatic for children – and this is especially true for the child admitted to a haematology-oncology unit. These children are subjected to an environment which they do not understand, nor have any control over, they are faced with many unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells and they have to undergo frightening and often painful procedures. In South Africa, there are no associations responsible for monitoring the environment that children are subjected to in hospital; neither does any Child Life Specialists, Hospital Play Therapists or scientifically based programs exist that can ensure that the psychosocial needs of children in hospital are met. The purpose of this study was to develop and describe a model for the facilitation of support for children through the mobilisation of resources according to their needs in a haematology-oncology unit in the private healthcare sector of South Africa. The following research questions were asked: • What are the needs...
Resources relevant to Palliative Care and COVID-19, 2020
Current health contexts are inundated with seriously ill COVID-19 patients who are suffering deep... more Current health contexts are inundated with seriously ill COVID-19 patients who are suffering deeply - especially in the context of isolation from family members - and in desperate need of spiritual care.
Palliative care recognises the role of spirituality in the care of patients with serious illness. Many organisations have developed recommendations for the integration of spiritual care in palliative care. Spirituality is defined broadly as a “dynamic and intrinsic aspect of humanity through which persons seek ultimate meaning, purpose, and transcendence, and experience relationship to self, family, others, community, society, nature, and the significant or sacred. Spirituality is expressed through beliefs, values, traditions, and practices.” The practice of interprofessional spiritual care is based on a generalist-specialist model of care: providers address spiritual concerns and work with spiritual care specialists in treating spiritual distress. Studies to support this area of care include association of spiritual distress with quality of life, physical pain, depression and anxiety. Receiving a diagnosis of COVID-19 can raise intense questions regarding one’s mortality, resulting in spiritual distress.
Resources relevant to Palliative Care and COVID-19, 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic is intensifying existing health system inequities associated with disabilit... more The Covid-19 pandemic is intensifying existing health system inequities associated with disabilities (UN 2020). Persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, both children and adults, are likely to become more vulnerable due to Covid-19. One billion people worldwide are living with a disability: 46% are older than 60, and 80% live in a developing country. Palliative care supports the dignity of persons with disabilities, who are often subjected to discrimination, abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) and social exclusion (WHO, 2011). Disability is strongly associated with increased rates of multidimensional poverty, decreased rates of education and employment, and higher medical expenses (Mitra et al., 2013). The pre-pandemic world was already one of isolation for many people with disabilities. (Disability Rights Fund 2020) In many countries persons with disabilities (PWD) do not receive palliative care and health care staff do not understand the need for palliative care for persons with disabilities. Communication difficulties result in undetected pain and failure to report symptoms, leading to deterioration of physical and/or mental health. Spiritual support in palliative care is often neglected in the care of PWD especially those with intellectual or communication disabilities.
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support to cope with the experience, including spiritual support. Children
themselves value their own spiritual support highly, but research in this
area is limited. The purpose of this study therefore was to gain insight into the topic, exploring and describing current practices of spiritual support rendered to children in hospital by churches of the Christian faith. A core element of spirituality is the search for meaning and making sense of illness, pain and suffering; the viewpoints of the different churches in this regard were therefore also explored to gain an understanding of how churches would explain illness, pain and suffering to children. An explorative-descriptive qualitative research design was used during this study and semi-structured interviews, consisting of a set of open-ended questions, were conducted with representatives of the major church groups of the Christian faith in South Africa. In general, all churches consider it important to visit the child in hospital, but different themes emerged with regard to what constitutes spiritual support, and different views were expressed with regard to illness, pain and suffering.
In today’s modern, technologically advanced hospitals there is seldom room for religion and religious practices, and the spiritual care of children is overlooked. Increasingly, however, evidence from research shows how important spiritual support is for children in healthcare environments. Children are much more in tune with their own spirituality than they are often given credit for. Not only is there evidence of positive effects arising when children’s spiritual needs are met, but children themselves tend to place a high priority on their own spiritual support when in hospital. This article explores the link between a child’s health and his/her spirituality. It takes into account events from the past that shaped current practices in healthcare, and advocates that religion be relocated back to children who are in hospital.
Palliative care recognises the role of spirituality in the care of patients with serious illness. Many organisations have developed recommendations for the integration of spiritual care in palliative care. Spirituality is defined broadly as a “dynamic and intrinsic aspect of humanity through which persons seek ultimate meaning, purpose, and transcendence, and experience relationship to self, family, others, community, society, nature, and the significant or sacred. Spirituality is expressed through beliefs, values, traditions, and practices.” The practice of interprofessional spiritual care is based on a generalist-specialist model of care: providers address spiritual concerns and work with spiritual care specialists in treating spiritual distress. Studies to support this area of care include association of spiritual distress with quality of life, physical pain, depression and anxiety. Receiving a diagnosis of COVID-19 can raise intense questions regarding one’s mortality, resulting in spiritual distress.
support to cope with the experience, including spiritual support. Children
themselves value their own spiritual support highly, but research in this
area is limited. The purpose of this study therefore was to gain insight into the topic, exploring and describing current practices of spiritual support rendered to children in hospital by churches of the Christian faith. A core element of spirituality is the search for meaning and making sense of illness, pain and suffering; the viewpoints of the different churches in this regard were therefore also explored to gain an understanding of how churches would explain illness, pain and suffering to children. An explorative-descriptive qualitative research design was used during this study and semi-structured interviews, consisting of a set of open-ended questions, were conducted with representatives of the major church groups of the Christian faith in South Africa. In general, all churches consider it important to visit the child in hospital, but different themes emerged with regard to what constitutes spiritual support, and different views were expressed with regard to illness, pain and suffering.
In today’s modern, technologically advanced hospitals there is seldom room for religion and religious practices, and the spiritual care of children is overlooked. Increasingly, however, evidence from research shows how important spiritual support is for children in healthcare environments. Children are much more in tune with their own spirituality than they are often given credit for. Not only is there evidence of positive effects arising when children’s spiritual needs are met, but children themselves tend to place a high priority on their own spiritual support when in hospital. This article explores the link between a child’s health and his/her spirituality. It takes into account events from the past that shaped current practices in healthcare, and advocates that religion be relocated back to children who are in hospital.
Palliative care recognises the role of spirituality in the care of patients with serious illness. Many organisations have developed recommendations for the integration of spiritual care in palliative care. Spirituality is defined broadly as a “dynamic and intrinsic aspect of humanity through which persons seek ultimate meaning, purpose, and transcendence, and experience relationship to self, family, others, community, society, nature, and the significant or sacred. Spirituality is expressed through beliefs, values, traditions, and practices.” The practice of interprofessional spiritual care is based on a generalist-specialist model of care: providers address spiritual concerns and work with spiritual care specialists in treating spiritual distress. Studies to support this area of care include association of spiritual distress with quality of life, physical pain, depression and anxiety. Receiving a diagnosis of COVID-19 can raise intense questions regarding one’s mortality, resulting in spiritual distress.