Dr Md Shaikh Farid1
1Dhaka University, , Bangladesh
Biography:
Bio to come
Abstract:
Spiritual care is a critical component of palliative care that aims to address the spiritual and existential needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses. However, due to several issues, integrating spiritual care in palliative care settings in underdeveloped nations like Bangladesh is difficult. This qualitative study explores the policy and practices of spiritual care within the palliative care setting at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Bangladesh. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals involved in palliative care, as well as patients and their families. This study highlights that despite a substantial population of patients with incurable conditions, access to comprehensive palliative care programs remains limited. This study reveals that BSMMU’s policy framework for spiritual care within palliative care is informed by a patient-centered approach. The policy emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that spiritual needs are addressed effectively. The center has been actively involved in increasing awareness about palliative care, offering educational presentations, and providing clinical rotations in palliative medicine for various healthcare professionals and volunteers. Despite these commendable efforts, findings reveal that while there are policies in place to provide spiritual care, it is often not prioritized due to competing demands, lack of training, and limited resources. The study identifies the need for trained mental health professionals and chaplains to address the mental and spiritual dimensions of patients’ suffering comprehensively. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive and personalized spiritual care in improving the quality of life for patients and their families.