Abstract

Patients who are facing illness and uncertainty often find themselves reflecting on the bigger questions in life, and the core beliefs or principles they live by. These convictions, religious or otherwise, are integral to a patient's identity, and consequently to their most fundamental emotional and spiritual needs. Perceptive clinicians have proved that, by recognising and working with their patients' spiritual requirements, they have been able to significantly improve their patients' experience in the medical setting.

In this book, these select clinicians reveal their medical perspective on the importance of bringing together the body and soul for effective healthcare. Sharing their own personal styles of enquiry into individuals' requirements, they explain how they identify their patients' needs, and how they utilise this knowledge to advise the rest of their team and enhance their ability to provide excellent, attentive care.

These fascinating and practical accounts from clinicians working in varied contexts will re-energise anyone working in healthcare. Whether you are with or without faith, this book will inspire those wanting to take seriously spiritual life as a dimension of, and a resource for, recovery and wholeness. The evident commitment and compassion of the contributors makes it a joy to read.
Kathryn Darby, Chaplain at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and co-author of Spiritual Care with Sick Children and Young People
How ought clinicians support the physical, mental and spiritual needs of their patients? I found this book extremely helpful in answering the question. A variety of different disciplines are presented including old age medicine, paediatrics and gynaecology....This proved an interesting read with many things to think about.
Dr Pravin Thevathasan, Consultant Psychiatrist
Catholic Medical Quarterly
Deserves to be read widely by all those, practitioners and students alike, who wish to develop and enhance their professional practice in informed, compassionate and integrated ways.
The Rev Dr Jonathan Pye, Honorary Research Fellow, Centre for Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol
Academic research is making the case that good spiritual care can and does have positive health benefits. In this book, Peter Wells allows clinicians to explain, from their direct clinical experience, what they think spiritual care is and why they believe it matters. This is a rare opportunity that will inform practice and debate.
Revd Dr Steve Nolan, Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, and The University of Winchester
Peter Wells has captured through this great book the importance of connecting body and soul in spiritual care as an integral part of healthcare. He has brought together the rich and diverse experience of healthcare professionals. The book offers direct and immediate insights. All draw from a deep passion to care for the patient as a whole person and how that has impacted directly on their practice. This book will encourage other professionals to make similar connections and reading this book will give confidence to do so.
Alister Bull, author of Assessing and Communicating the Spiritual Needs of Children in Hospital
Peter Wells has assembled a very thoughtful collection of pieces in this book. Practitioners across the field of health care offer some fascinating and richly personal insights into the outworking of spirituality at times of crisis and uncertainty. The clarity, compassion, and sheer humanity of the contributors make this a great resource for students and professionals alike.
The Revd Canon Dr Margaret Whipp, practical and pastoral theological educator, former consultant oncologist and Lead Chaplain at Oxford University Hospitals
An exciting book with emphasis on listening to patients' stories and an active concern for the well-being of patients.
Marian Carter, author of Helping Children and Adolescents Think about Death, Dying and Bereavement