Nurses’ perspectives on spiritual care in ICU: results of a survey

Background
Spirituality has many facets but is focused on the meaning and purpose in a person’s life which may include a religious perspective (Westera 2017). Jones (2020) notes that Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses need awareness of spirituality and different faiths to support patients and relatives during their stay.

Aim
This presentation explores intensive care nurses’ perceptions of spiritual care.

Methods
A quantitative online survey was used including:
- Measure staff spiritual care competency using The Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (McSherry et al 2002)
- Assess the staff perception of delivery of spiritual care in the ICU
Registered nurses currently working in an intensive care unit within the United Kingdom were invited to participate via social media platforms. Data was collected between March-May 2020 and analysis using SPSS software.

Ethical Approval was gained through Canterbury Christ Church University. The survey was distributed via British Association of Critical Care Nursing social media platforms.

Results
37 registered nurses working in a critical care area completed the survey. 89.2% felt that people could be spiritual but not religious showing a diverse view of spirituality. 62.2% of participants stated that they had not received education on spiritual care related to ICU, commenting that it was mixed in with psychosocial aspects. Despite the lack of training 73% said they thought spiritual care was important and that they assessed spiritual needs. However, 64.8% of respondents did not feel competent to provide spiritual care but some reported good engagement with chaplaincy; two respondents commented that it was not nurses role and additional burden.

Further analysis will be conducted to explore these issues during the presentation related to demographic data and the rating scale.

Conclusion
Incorporating spiritual care and utilising local resources seems to be key to providing individual care. Recommendations for spiritual care practice and future work will be considered.