Psychiatric nurses' understanding of the spiritual dimension of holistic psychiatric nursing practice in South Africa : a phenomenological study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore psychiatric nurses' understanding and practice of the spiritual dimension of holistic psychiatric nursing practice in South Africa by using a descriptive phenomenology design. By means of purposeful sampling, seven psychiatric nurses with knowledge and experience about "spirituality" were selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Colaizzi's Method of data analysis and representation was utilised. Four themes emerged from the data: The higher power of spirituality, religion and their relationship with each other Spirituality is central to but forgotten in psychiatric nursing practice Spiritual aspect of psychiatric nursing: enabling and limiting factors Holistic nursing practice: educating for spiritual psychiatric nursing care These themes illuminate psychiatric nurses' understanding of the spiritual dimension of holistic psychiatric nursing practice in South Africa. Psychiatric nurses should acknowledge the spiritual dimension in the assessment process; integrate concepts of spirituality, religion and mental health into curricula and in-service education in an open or spiritually sensitive manner. This might improve psychiatric nurses' understanding of how consumers of healthcare services, family members and other team members experience this dimension and its impact on mental health. Policy should be developed that clearly defines the content and scope of spiritual care assessment intervention options and the qualifications of and support for persons providing such care.