Exploring the spiritual needs of patients receiving palliative care and their caregivers: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing chronic or life-threatening illnesses can lead to spiritual struggles for patients and their caregivers. This study aims to explore the spiritual needs of patients receiving palliative care and their caregivers. METHODS: The qualitative study was conducted with patients and their caregivers in the palliative care unit of a foundation hospital in Ankara. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 22 caregivers. The interview questions for patients focused on health-related issues, challenges, coping strategies, significant aspects of their lives, and any changes in their beliefs during illness. Similarly, caregivers were asked four semi-structured questions regarding their challenges, coping strategies, the most meaningful aspects of their lives, and any changes in their beliefs as caregivers. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi's phenomenological approach. RESULTS: The most common diagnoses among patients were end-stage renal failure, chronic liver disease, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer, respectively. Data analysis revealed four main themes and eight sub-themes. The main themes identified were: "Functional Disability," "Transcendence and Family Support," "Acceptance," and "Psychological Pain." Four main themes and three sub-themes emerged from the caregiver data. The main themes were: "Care Burden," "Lack of Information," "God/Higher Power," and "Glory of Care." The "Care Burden" theme encompassed three sub-themes: "Physical Problems," "Stress," and "Economic Problems." CONCLUSIONS: The results of this qualitative study indicate that spiritual values are indispensable for the patients and caregivers, and they perceive support from God, family, and friends even during the most difficult times.