Codesigned consistent model of spiritual care in Australian healthcare system.
Craig Exon, Cuong La1Spiritual Health Association, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Abstract
In Australia, healthcare has undergone significant changes over the past 20 years with the shift towards patient-centred care; prioritisation of mental health; and technology-facilitated applications. Research shows that patients who receive professional spiritual care often experience better health outcomes. Spiritual care, however, is underinvested: there is no equitable access to spiritual care in hospitals. It is not always accepted as an integral part of whole-person care. Many health services do not have clarity about the role of spiritual care practitioners. These inconsistencies in spiritual care expose health services to quality and safety risks.
Commissioned by Spiritual Health Association, MosaicLab undertook a co-design project engaging SHA with key leadership stakeholders across Australia to identify critical issues facing spiritual care provision in hospitals and determine solutions for a consistent model.
The model was informed by a literature review; a desktop review; nine interviews, two group discussions, and two workshops with relevant leaders across the Australian health sector. These focus on identifying the role of spiritual care in public health; dilemmas facing spiritual care; enablers and elements of a consistent model.
Under this model, spiritual care is suggested to be delivered by a professional spiritual care workforce, employed by health services, and fully integrated into the organisational structure aligned to holistic person-centered care; integrated governance; professionalised workforce; and sustainable resourcing.
The contemporary model can be used to develop a new spiritual care service or enhance an existing one.
Biography
Dr Cuong La is the Research and Policy Leader at the Spiritual Health Association in Australia and an Adjunct Research Fellow at La Trobe University. Dr La has extensive experience in academic research and policy/advocacy in public health both in Vietnam and Australia. He has obtained a PhD in Community Health.
Mr Craig Exon is the Quality and Advocacy Leader for Spiritual Health Association in Australia with a background in Spiritual Health leadership, not for profit, and Education settings. Mr. Exon has vast experience in service development and expertise in team leadership and development.