Healing Communication: A Precision Instrument for Spiritual Care

Abstract

Objective: To describe holistic, empathic, and person-centered approaches to communication and apply these to the context of oncology nurse-provided responses to patients' expressions of spiritual concern.

Data sources: Conceptual, empirical, and practice literature about communication, primarily from the disciplines of psychology and communication sciences, is resourced to inform this practice-oriented discussion.

Conclusion: Holistic, empathetic, and person-centered models for communication are complementary, and although there is overlap, there is also distinct value added from each.

Implications for nursing practice: Each model offers excellent guidance for nurses seeking to provide a therapeutic verbal response during spiritual care for people affected by cancer.

Keywords: Caring; Communication; Empathy; Nursing; Spirituality.