Title: Pastoral Care in Palliative Settings: Bridging the Gap Between Spiritual and Medical Care
Authors: Cyril Enahore Imohiosen, Jennifer Akello Owot , Sam David Ukpo, Pius Ajuluchukwu
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Pages: 153-163
Publication Date: 2025/02/28
Abstract:
Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses by addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. However, the spiritual dimension, a crucial aspect of holistic care, is often overlooked in medical settings. Pastoral care serves as a bridge between spiritual and medical care, providing comfort, meaning, and hope to patients and their families during critical moments. This review explores the role of pastoral care in palliative settings, emphasizing its impact on patient well-being, family support, and interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration. Spiritual distress is common among terminally ill patients, manifesting as existential concerns, fear of death, and a search for meaning. Pastoral care professionals, including chaplains and religious counselors, offer guidance through prayer, religious rituals, ethical decision-making support, and active listening. These interventions help reduce anxiety, alleviate suffering, and promote acceptance among patients and their loved ones. Additionally, pastoral care fosters a compassionate environment within healthcare teams, encouraging physicians and nurses to consider patients' spiritual values in medical decision-making. Despite its benefits, integrating pastoral care into palliative settings faces challenges such as institutional resistance, religious diversity, and limited funding for chaplaincy services. This highlights best practices for successfully incorporating spiritual care into palliative programs, including interdisciplinary training, culturally inclusive approaches, and evidence-based assessments of spiritual needs. By recognizing spirituality as a fundamental aspect of palliative care, healthcare systems can create a more holistic approach to end-of-life support. This review advocates for the standardization of pastoral care in medical institutions, ensuring that patients receive compassionate and meaningful care that addresses not only their physical symptoms but also their spiritual and emotional well-being.