Unmet Spiritual Needs, Spiritual Wellbeing and Support Satisfaction of End-of-Life Patients: Findings from a Spiritual and Existential Care Training Program (SpECi) for Health Care Practitioners within Inpatient Geriatric Care, Palliative Care Units and Hospices

J Relig Health. 2025 Jun;64(3):2275-2296. doi: 10.1007/s10943-025-02273-y. Epub 2025 Feb 18.

Abstract

The outcomes of a 40-h Spiritual/Existential Care training program (SpECi) for healthcare professionals on their patients' treatment satisfaction (n = 774) were evaluated. Most patients felt supported in their spiritual needs by the staff (79-81%). This satisfaction was highest in hospices and palliative care units (Eta2 = .065, p < .001). Regression analyses revealed that satisfaction with spiritual needs support was predicted by therapeutic staff support, treatment place, and support from pastoral care providers (R2 = .17). The prominent role of healthcare practitioners with their specific competencies and spiritual care ideals is crucial for patients' support satisfaction which was higher for family and staff than to pastoral care providers.

Keywords: Geriatric care; Health care professionals; Hospices; Palliative care; Patients; Spiritual care training; Spiritual needs; Spiritual wellbeing; Support satisfaction.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Health Personnel* / education
  • Health Personnel* / psychology
  • Hospices
  • Humans
  • Inpatients / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palliative Care* / psychology
  • Patient Satisfaction* / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Support*
  • Spirituality*
  • Terminal Care* / psychology