Spiritual Issues in Heart Failure

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

11-17-2011

Journal

Supportive Care in Heart Failure

Volume

9780198570288

DOI

10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570288.003.0016

Keywords

Caregivers; Health; Heart failure; Randomized prayer research; Religion; Spiritual issues; Spirituality

Abstract

© Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. This chapter addresses a balanced view of the scientific data relating to the spiritual issues encountered in the care of patients with heart failure (HF). In particular, it aims to increase awareness of psychosocial and spiritual issues in health-care settings and to provide a framework upon which caregivers may further develop knowledge and skills to be supportive of the spiritual needs of patients with chronic HF. The data makes it clear that researchers and clinicians can no longer ignore the spiritual aspects of a patient's life in research and medical care. The observational studies on spirituality and health, the negative influence of religion on health, and randomized prayer research are reported. Caregivers have known all along that the journey from heart disease to better health is much more than the repair of a leaking heart valve or giving of the proper medications. The experienced, caring physician knows instinctively that there is a time to grasp the patient's hand and that informed clinician knows when he/she has permission to do so.

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