Spiritual needs and spiritual care for veterans at end of life and their families

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2012 Dec;29(8):610-7. doi: 10.1177/1049909111434139. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

Abstract

Spiritual care is an important domain of palliative care programs across the country and in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System specifically. This qualitative study assessed the spiritual needs, spiritual care received, and satisfaction with spiritual care of both Veterans at the end of life and their families. Seventeen Veterans and 9 family members participated. They expressed a wide range of spiritual needs, including a wish of Veterans to have a better understanding of traumatic events that occurred during their combat experience. Some Veterans reported military experience enhanced their spirituality. Generally, respondents reported satisfaction with VA spiritual care, but indicated that Veterans may benefit from greater access to VA chaplains and explicit discussion of the impact of their military experience on their spirituality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Family / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pastoral Care* / methods
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Spirituality
  • Terminal Care / methods
  • Terminal Care / psychology*
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs / organization & administration
  • Veterans / psychology*