Reflective Journaling as Preparation for Spiritual Care of Patients

Spirituality is a critical component of patient and family care at the end of life, yet some health care providers do not feel prepared to deliver spiritual care. To prepare nursing and medical students taking care of dying patients and their families, the Catalyzing Relationships at the End of Life (CAREol) program included addressing perceptions of one’s own death through journal reflection. Structured prompts were developed to encourage reflective journaling on one’s own death, reactions, and feelings of family members in relation to dying patients and communication themes presented throughout the CAREol program. Journal entries were coded using a descriptive qualitative approach and four themes were revealed including: meaning, beliefs, connections, and good death. These themes relating to spirituality reflected an understanding of death and dying. Read more…