Sankhe, A., Dalal, K., Agarwal, V., & Sarve, P. (2017). Spiritual care therapy on quality of life in cancer patients and their caregivers: A prospective non-randomized single-cohort study. Journal of Religion and Health, 56, 725–731.
To assess the effects of a spiritual care intervention on the quality of life and spiritual well-being of patients with cancer undergoing surgery
A 90-minute spiritual care intervention based on the MATCH (Mercy, Austerity, Truthfulness, Cleanliness, and Holy Name) guideline involving 30 minutes of counseling, reading, and chanting was delivered to patient/caregiver dyads undergoing surgery for cancer daily while in the hospital. Quality of life and spiritual well-being were measured prior to discharge and at one month, two months, and three months.
Prospective, single-arm, repeated-measures trial
Patients and caregivers demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all domains of quality of life and spiritual well-being at all measurements following the intervention.
A spiritual care intervention delivered in a hospital is feasible and has the potential to improve patient and caregiver quality of life and spiritual well-being. Randomized, controlled studies in this area are needed.
Addressing spiritual concerns may be an important method to positively affect caregiver quality of life and spiritual well-being.