A Spiritual Care Full Audit cycle conducted on a central Trauma and Orthopaedic Ward in the Scottish Highlands

Background

“Health is not just the absence of disease, it is a state of physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being” (World Health Organisation, Precis of discussion, 1948). However, little work has been to assess holistic patient care on more acute wards, such as a trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) ward.

Methods

To assess spiritual care on the T&O ward, ward patients and staff were surveyed on their experience of and attitude towards spiritual care. Patient care documentations were also reviewed. Interventions such as presenting in staff education meetings and putting up posters of the audit results, recommendations and rationale on the ward were carried out. A re-audit is well underway.

Results

There was no evidence of spiritual care being delivered to the T&O patients (n=24) on any documentation and by any staff. However basic spiritual care data was available for 100% of the patients on their demographic records online. This showed that 62% of the patients belonged to a religious group. 78% of patients (n=9) would feel comfortable being asked about aspects of spiritual care. However, only 35% of staff had referred a patient to spiritual care (for example chaplaincy services) and/or were aware of the referral process.

Key Messages

Patients on the T&O ward are welcoming of spiritual care Staff are underutilising this aspect of holistic care Staff education.