Characteristics of spiritual needs and targeted interventions in patients with acute leukemia during the course of disease

ObjectiveTo study the thematic characteristics of spiritual needs in patients with acute leukemia during the course of disease, and propose countermeasures for positive target intervention.

MethodsA total of 80 patients with acute leukemia were investigated using the general data questionnaire and spiritual needs assessment scale(SNAP).Based on the survey results and interview data, the status quo and characteristics of patients' spiritual needs were analyzed, and the reasonable target intervention was implemented from the perspective of spiritual care.The RS-14 resilience scale and SCCS self-congruence scale were used to observe the effects before and after intervention.

ResultsThe spiritual needs in patients with acute leukemia were obvious.The total score of SNAP was(54.86±19.20)points, and the proportion of patients with higher than the average score was 54.61%.The top five items for specific spiritual needs, ranking from highest to lowest, were "learning to deal with grief", "finding peace of mind", "sharing your thoughts with those close to you", "discussing the meaning and purpose of life" and "easing your worries about your family." After the targeted intervention was implemented by the nursing team according to the characteristics of spiritual needs, the scores of some items and total scores of the RS-14 resilience scale and SCCS self-concordant scale were significantly improved, and the differences of those between before and after intervention were statistically significant(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).

ConclusionsThe spiritual distress and spiritual needs of acute leukemia patients are significant, and the clinical practice should start from the concept of "whole-person service", give proper play to the spiritual care function, give patients the theme intervention of spiritual development and self-harmonious growth, in order to improve the spiritual health and quality of life.