Spirituality from the perspective of Occupational Therapy in the context of Palliative Care

Abstract

Palliative Care, like Occupational Therapy, proposes a holistic view of the person, including the dimensions physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Spirituality is intimately linked to participation in significant occupations, since occupation is the means for its expression. The article takes a tour of the concept of spirituality and the approach from Occupational Therapy. On the other hand, the evidence of unmet spiritual needs shows a deficit in the comprehensive approach of the Palliative Care teams. Therefore, the six essential qualities for the care of spirituality in health professionals that can be taken into account from a person-centered palliative model are exposed. Finally, a care approach centered on the person and the occupation is proposed. In this way, it is intended to account for the importance of spirituality, as a determinant for the health and well-being of people, and a way of expression based on participation in significant activities, favoring coping and adaptation to the Situation of illness in individuals and families attending Palliative Care.