Aging & Social Change: Ninth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Spirituality has been studied as a critical part of health for many years, evident by many literature reviews in the past 10-15 years, showing that research into this area has increased significantly (Pesut et al 2014; Sinclair et al 2006). The World Health Organisation (WHO) included spiritual components of health assessment as a priority for health professionals working with those aged over 60 in their 2015 report on World Health on Ageing and Health (WHO, 2015). Much research ties definitions of spirituality to holistic and person-centred models of care (Drury & Hunter, 2016; Keall et al, 2013; Power 2006; Boston & Mount, 2001). All of these factors, as well as the rapidly ageing population trends evident worldwide, suggest that spirituality is not only gaining traction and understanding in health care systems, it also is a requirement of any individual facing the last stages of life. “The intent (of the guidelines and their development) was to identify existing spiritual care practices, as well as the barriers and enabling factors that influence spiritual care” (Pringle, 2016). This research utilises thematic analysis to understand the barriers and enablers to providing spiritual care as part of holistic care in aged care settings, and identify what role the National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care have added to this crucial domain of health care provision in an Australian setting.