Clinical Assessment of Spiritual Care Needs: A Cross-sectional Study Focusing on Patient Experiences

Abstract

Introduction: Spirituality encompasses a person’s interaction with themselves and others, their place in the universe, and their efforts to understand the meaning of life. This study aims to identify the spiritual care needs of patients receiving professional healthcare services. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 273 patients treated at a research hospital in Istanbul between April 2025 and May 2025. Data were collected using an Information Form and the Patient Spiritual Needs Assessment Scale (PSNAS). Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Dunn–Bonferroni tests were used to analyze the data. Results: There were 49.4% (n=134) female and 51.6% (139) male, with a mean age of 48.29±12.95. The mean PSNAS score was 64.16±16.10. The mean PSNAS scores were as follows: “Divine” subdimension 11.24±3.86, “Appreciation of Art and Beauty” subdimension 8.24±2.86, “Meaning and Purpose” subdimension 7.30±2.48 the “Love and Belonging” subscale was 14.67±3.97, the “Death and Resolve” subscale was 10.09±3.25, and the “Positivity/Gratitude/Hope/Peace” subscale was 12.52±3.52 points. Spiritual needs levels differed according to gender, chronic illness, and expectations of spiritual support from nurses. Discussion and Conclusion: Hospitalized patients have high spiritual care needs. Participants who were female, participants with chronic illnesses, and expected spiritual support from nurses had significantly higher spiritual care needs. These research findings will guide the development of spiritual care practices and spiritual care training content for healthcare professionals.