Spirituality and palliative care for cancer patients and caregivers: a case of Uganda Cancer Institute

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the role of spirituality in palliative care for cancer patients and caregivers using a case study of Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Specifically, the study sought to examine the perceptions of patients and caregivers on spirituality in palliative care; spiritual practices of patients and caregivers; current constraints experienced in spirituality in palliative care; and strategies used by UCI to promote spirituality in palliative care. The study employed a hermeneutic phenomenology theoretical perspective to generate meaning on the role of spirituality in palliative care based on the subjective meaning of patients, caregivers, and palliative care providers as at UCI. The study utilized a sample of 15 patients, 15 caregivers, and 15 palliative care providers. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to collect data from patients, caregivers, and palliative care providers. Research findings revealed that spirituality was important in palliative care and was a source of strength, hope, and coping during illness. Furthermore, spirituality in palliative care was associated with compassionate care from palliative care providers, integrating religious care practices, receiving financial and material support. To improve the provision of spirituality in palliative care, the study recommends that palliative care providers ought to be competent and agile, UCI ought to develop programs that integrate spirituality in palliative care, and the Ministry of Health ought to invest, develop and translate policies of spirituality in palliative care service delivery.