Digital-facilitated spiritual care: A scoping review mapping interventions, technologies, and outcomes in clinical populations

Abstract

Aim This scoping review aimed to systematically map the available literature on digital-facilitated spiritual care in clinical populations. Specific objectives were to: (1) identify target patient groups and geographical distribution of research; (2) describe intervention characteristics, delivery methods, and digital technologies used; and (3) summarize the assessment tools and reported outcomes described in the included studies. Methods The review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus) and two grey literature sources (OpenGrey, ProQuest) from inception to June 2025. Studies were included if they involved digital delivery of spiritual care targeting patients with any clinical diagnosis. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, with discrepancies resolved through consensus. Results From 7,091 identified records, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority (71.8%) were published after 2017, indicating rapid growth in the field. Geographically, the United States and China contributed nearly two-thirds of the studies. Cancer patients constituted the most frequently studied population. The included interventions were delivered through diverse digital modalities, including communication platforms, telephone-based approaches, video conferencing technologies, and specialized digital tools. FACIT-Sp was the most commonly used outcome measure. Several studies also integrated multiple digital technologies within a single intervention program. Conclusions Digital health technologies offer a promising approach to supporting spiritual care as part of holistic healthcare. This scoping review mapped the existing literature on digitally facilitated spiritual care in clinical populations, presenting the main characteristics and current trends of the field. Future research should expand to more diverse populations and cultural settings, thereby supporting the further development and broader application of digitally facilitated spiritual care.