Hong Kong Psychiatric Nurses’ Perception of Spirituality and Perceived Competency in Providing Spiritual Care: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Formal training in mental health nursing programs emphasized holistic care approach including spirituality. However, studies found that some nurses felt uncomfortable and incompetent in spirituality and spiritual care provision was uncommon. Objectives: The objectives of this study was to investigate Hong Kong psychiatric nurses’ perception of spirituality/spiritual care, perceived spiritual care competency and identify their association with demographic data(s). Methods: The participants were recruited through snowball and convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including The Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale, The Spirituality Care Competency Scale and demographic data. Findings: There were 102 participants, with 63.7% were female; 51% attained postgraduate education; 58.8% were junior rank nurses; 64.7% had a religion and 52% had 20 years or above working experience. The participants had a broad view in perception of spirituality/spiritual care, and high-perceived spiritual care competency. There was a significant relationship between perceived spiritual care competency and age, rank, gender and religion. Education level had no significant relationship with either perception or perceived spiritual competency. A positive correlation was found between perception and perceived spiritual competency. Recommendations: It is recommended to have a thorough review of nursing education in spirituality; clinical protocols/guidelines for spiritual care provision; increased autonomy, job recognition and participation in policy making for frontline nurses. Future studies can investigate factors contributing to personal perception of spirituality and hindrance affecting spiritual care provision.