Spirituality plays an integral role in the well-being of patients. Faith is especially crucial to assess the need of the individual and provide quality treatment. Although offering patients with medications and therapy, medical care must be holistic and rely on supportive measures that can help build trust and confidence in the individual. Therefore, employing a holistic approach to care and considering all aspects that can improve the quality of the patient’s life and recovery path is necessary. Thus, the patient that was diagnosed with left-side heart failure and is frustrated with her quality of life must be provided with recommendations that target comfort and peace.
When considering how faith can be integrated into the treatment plan of the individual, it is necessary to analyze their conditions and overall situation. In their book Spiritual Book (2022), Cone and Giske define spirituality as the pursuit and expression of meaning and purpose and how people feel connected to the present, to themselves, to others, and to nature. In other terms, spirituality encompasses both the physical and mental being of the person.
The patient I picked is a 60-year-old female diagnosed with left-sided heart failure. In order to understand the way in which she views her chronic condition and life in general, I asked questions such as “How has your illness impacted your daily life?” or “What are your thoughts and feelings about your illness?” As per the patient’s perspective, the woman replied that she feels hopeless, anxious, and depressed due to their condition. She explained that her heart failure affected her life negatively since it involved a significant financial burden, and she cannot perform the daily activities to which she is used. The patient was frustrated that she could no longer eat meals she enjoyed, and she was worried about not being able to pace herself to cook, do grocery shopping, babysit, or clean. She was especially concerned about spending time with her grandchildren since she enjoyed finding new activities to entertain them. She finally added that she focuses on spirituality to find strength and something to be grateful for.
Spirituality is essential to find ways for a person to cope with their challenges. According to Cone and Giske (2022), faith can help foster growth and development in individuals. Therefore, providing spiritual care that aligns with the patient’s beliefs and values is essential. In the case of the 60-year-old patient with left-sided heart failure, some recommendations can be given that should be aimed at creating a peaceful mindset. For example, the patient should be urged to practice meditation or prayer as the first piece of advice to find solace through trying moments (Hall et al., 2020).
Moreover, another piece of advice is to offer a patient to find religious literature or music that can provide hope and inspiration. Especially considering that the woman is depressed, she needs to be encouraged to change her perspective and make changes in life that could still satisfy her needs. Finally, what can help a patient who needs support is finding a spiritual leader. In this situation, the woman can find not only comfort but guidance. Therefore, the goal in this situation is to help the person adjust to her new lifestyle and find ways in which it can bring happiness.
As a Christian, my provision of care and assistance to patients is based on spirituality. On the one hand, I view spiritual care as a specific way in which a healthcare professional can meet the needs of their patients. On the other hand, spiritual care to me is an approach based on building a connection with every patient and understanding their needs and demands on a deeper level. As a result, when caring for my patients in the future, I am determined first to use compassion, respect, and empathy. This way, I will understand the perspectives and experiences of my patients. Moreover, I plan to encourage patients to express their emotions and concerns in my care. A healthcare professional can build trust with the patient by using active listening skills (Potter et al., 2018). Finally, it can be helpful to rely on prayer and spiritual resources when providing care to individuals. My goal as a healthcare professional is to create an environment with no judgment or hostile atmosphere. Every patient must feel supported and understood.
Hence, recommendations that focus on comfort and calm must be given to the patient who has been diagnosed with left-side heart failure and is dissatisfied with her standard of living. The woman said she feels helpless, anxious, and depressed because of her condition. She mentioned how her heart failure had a detrimental impact on her life because it came with a heavy financial load and prevented her from engaging in the regular everyday activities she had become accustomed to. The woman should be encouraged to pray or meditate as the first piece of advice in order to find solace through trying moments. Finding religious writings or music that might inspire and provide hope is another piece of advice one can give a patient. Finally, finding a spiritual leader is something that can assist a patient who needs support. My ability to provide care as a Christian must be founded on establishing relationships with patients and meeting their needs.
References
Cone, P., & Giske, T. (2022). The nurse’s handbook of spiritual care. Wiley.
Hall, A., Perry, A. G., Potter, P. A., & Stockert, P. A. (2020). Fundamentals of nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Potter, P. A., Hall, A., Perry, A. G., & Stockert, P. A. (2018). Essentials for nursing practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.