Exploring Spiritual Care Experiences Among Neurological Patients in Saskatoon: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

The master’s research project, titled “Exploring Spiritual Care Experiences Among Neurological Patients in Saskatoon: A Qualitative Exploratory Study” explores the experiences and perspectives of adults living with neurological conditions. The neurological condition mainly includes Parkinsons, stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis who have received or engaged in spiritual care during hospitalization in one of the hospitals in Saskatoon (Royal University Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital and Saskatoon City Hospital. The study aims to understand how patients experience spiritual care and how it may support their spiritual and existential needs, coping, and well-being. Participants will be invited to take part in an online interview of up to 45 minutes. Spiritual care for the purpose of this study is not necessarily related to religion, and it can take many forms such as taking a supportive spiritual guidance from a trained chaplain. Engaging in self-directed practices such as self-prayer, smudging, land-based healing, ceremony, meditation, use of sacred texts (example : Bible). It may also involve access to multifaith rooms and chapels during hospital stay.

Exploring this study from a patient’s experiences may help to improve understanding of spiritual care within neurological care and inform more holistic, patient-centered approaches to healthcare.

Location: University of Saskatchewan