Background: Spiritual distress is a common symptom among patients with cancer. Spiritual injury (SI), a type of spiritual distress, occurs when there is a breakdown in the relationship between the individual and their higher power. Patients who experience spiritual injury may have poor health outcomes.
Methods: A case report of a woman with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who had experienced a SI.
Results: The palliative care team, in collaboration with the palliative care chaplain, was able to recognize that the patient had experienced a SI. They were able to help the patient to process and reflect upon this experience and ultimately treat her suffering.
Significance of results: All palliative care providers should assess their patients' spiritual health and monitor for the existence of SI.
Keywords: Cancer; Case report; Spiritual distress; Spiritual injury.