O'Brien, M. R. and Clark, D. (2015) Spirituality and/or religious faith: a means for coping with the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease? Palliative and Supportive Care, 13(6), pp. 1603-1614. (doi: 10.1017/S1478951515000097) (PMID:25851240)
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The notion of spirituality/religious belief is recognized internationally as a domain within end-of-life care and is important in patients' and carers' quality-of-life. When faced with incurable illness, patients often become more philosophical about their life; many seek comfort in spiritual or religious philosophies. Our intention was to understand how personal spirituality and religious faith might help those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND) cope with their impending death. METHOD: Unsolicited narratives (internet and print-published) written by individuals diagnosed with the terminal condition of ALS/MND were analyzed thematically. Narratives from 161 individuals diagnosed with ALS/MND written over a period of 37 years (from 1968 to 2005) were included. RESULTS: Our findings reveal that religious faith sustains and helps people to avoid despair, and personal spirituality helps them make sense of what is happening to them. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The use of personal narratives by people with ALS/MND has provided a vehicle for sharing their deepest spiritual and religious thoughts with others. The place of spirituality and religious faith within ALS/MND care should not be underestimated. Assessment of religious or spiritual needs should become a routine part of practice and is the responsibility of all members of the multidisciplinary team.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Clark, Professor David |
Authors: | O'Brien, M. R., and Clark, D. |
College/School: | College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability |
Journal Name: | Palliative and Supportive Care |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
ISSN: | 1478-9515 |
ISSN (Online): | 1478-9523 |
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