Have we looked beyond the physical and psychosocial?

Abstract

Palliative care can easily focus on physical and psychosocial problems but, for various reasons, ignore the spiritual needs of patients. There is confusion between the words 'religious' and 'spiritual,' the latter being the search for existential meaning, something done by all men and women--particularly as they approach death. This paper looks at excuses for not looking at spiritual issues but suggests the attending professional cannot avoid this aspect of care.