Transcending the physical: spiritual aspects of pain in patients with HIV and/or cancer

Journal/Book: J Adv Nurs. 1998; 28: P O Box 88, Osney Mead, Oxford Ox2 0NE, Oxon, England. Blackwell Science Ltd. 1236-1241.

Abstract: Spirituality is an important though often neglected aspect of pain in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or cancer, for both patients and nurses. The spiritual domain involves: (1) meaning, (2) hope and (3) love and relatedness. The author examines spiritual aspects of pain in persons with HIV and/or cancer, as supported by the literature, Understanding spiritual aspects of pain carries implications for nursing. One of these implications is that it is important for the nurse to be closer to his/her own spirit in order to be there for the patient in pain. Other nursing implications include spiritual assessment and interventions, such as presence, attentive listening, acceptance and judicious self-disclosure, for promoting comfort and diminishing pain.

Note: Article Newshan G, 25 Loh Ave, Tarrytown,NY 10591 USA

Keyword(s): pain; spirituality; presence; nursing; meaning; hope; listening; HIV; cancer; love; relatedness; KNOWLEDGE; ATTITUDES; DISTRESS

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