Tanzanian Nurses Understanding and Practice of Spiritual Care
Author Information
Author(s): Dhamani Khairunnisa Aziz, Paul Pauline, Olson Joanne Kaye
Primary Institution: Tanzania Institute of Higher Education, The Aga Khan University
Hypothesis
How do Tanzanian nurses understand spirituality and the provision of spiritual care?
Conclusion
Tanzanian nurses showed a desire to provide spiritual care, with their understanding being similar to that of nurses in other parts of the world, though influenced by local context.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants defined spiritual care as incorporating religious practices into nursing care.
- Nurses identified spiritual needs through communication and observation of patients.
- Religious-based interventions included prayers and reading Holy Scriptures.
- Non-religious interventions involved demonstrating compassion and providing reassurance.
Takeaway
Nurses in Tanzania think it's important to care for patients' spiritual needs, which can include praying and being compassionate.
Methodology
Qualitative method of interpretive description with in-depth interviews of registered nurses.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been influenced by their own beliefs and the cultural context of spirituality in Tanzania.
Limitations
The study may not represent all Tanzanian nurses as it was conducted in one hospital.
Participant Demographics
73% female, 27% male, ages over 26, with varying religious affiliations and clinical experience.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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