God, spirituality and religion in women dying from gynecological cancer

Abstract

Thoughts of death and dying will prevail constantly in the minds of women with gynecologic cancer. Invariably, there is the hope that, when the end comes, there will be ‘a good death’. End-of-life decisions, with particular emphasis on what the patient and her family constitute ‘a good death’ to be, will be influenced by emotional, psychological, mental, physical, spiritual and religious backgrounds. It is important to allow patients to resolve their despair by communicating their innermost thoughts. Spirituality and religious belief are important components that may play major roles in enabling patients to obtain peace and require the participation of all members of the health-care team managing the cases. Clinicians should appreciate the patient's concerns, beliefs, fears, spiritual and religious needs and be sensitive to comments that may indicate spiritual distress. Active listening and supportive dialogue may help patients work through existential issues and find peace. Patients who are in spiritual distress should be referred to certified and trained spiritual care professionals, chaplains, counselors and clergy.

摘要

妇科癌症的女性会不断想到死亡。始终不变的是, 当生命终结时, 会是“美好的死亡”。临终决定特别强调患者及其家属如何定义“美好的死亡”, 这将受到情感、心理、精神、生理、灵魂和宗教背景的影响。让患者通过交流她们内心深处的想法来解决她们的绝望很重要。灵魂和宗教信仰是重要组成部分, 在让患者平和面对死亡中发挥重要作用, 这需要医疗小组所有成员参与患者的管理。临床医生应该了解患者的担忧、信仰、恐惧、精神和宗教需求, 并对可能引起精神痛苦的评论保持谨慎。积极的倾听和支持性的对话可能会帮助患者解决现存的问题从而找到平静。精神痛苦的患者应该被转诊至经过认证和培训的精神护理专业人员、牧师、心理咨询师和神职人员。

Keywords:

• Spirituality
• religion
• death
• dying
• end of life
• women
• gynecologic cancer

Potential conflict of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Source of funding

Nil.