Spiritual Care Competence in Palliative Care: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Care is a multidimensional concept that includes spirituality as a dynamic and integrative aspect of human experience. Integrating spirituality into clinical practice enables a more comprehensive response to the full spectrum of human needs, which is why spiritual care competence emerges as an aptitude that fits the profile and skills to be developed by those working on care provision. Regrettably, not enough attention has been paid to spiritual care competence largely due to the lack of knowledge of professionals and what this entails. Therefore, this study aims to define the main attributes of the concept of Spiritual Care Competence in Palliative Care, identify its antecedents and consequences, examine its empirical referents, and clarify the conceptual boundaries. The concept analysis method of Walker and Avant was used. Main attributes were organized into three main domains: (1) intrapersonal resources, such as spiritual awareness, humility, sensitivity, confidence, wisdom, and intuition; (2) interpersonal resources, such as presence, active listening, compassion, and empathy; and (3) transpersonal resources, such as the ability to establish meaningful connections, assist in finding meaning, and explore hope. These domains can be nurtured over time but ultimately require professional maturity and experience. Antecedents of spiritual care competence include active engagement in care, formal training in spiritual care, and recognition of the individual's spiritual dimension. Consequences were identified for the person being cared for, the professional and the care environment and include suffering relief, reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced spiritual well-being, and lower healthcare costs. When spiritual care competence is intentionally cultivated and continuously developed, professionals advance toward the ideal of person-centered humanistic care, fostering better at the End-of-Life patient/family outcomes and contributing to professional satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

Keywords: Attributes; Concept analysis; End-of-life; Palliative care; Spirituality care competence.