Spirituality in nursing: a systematic review of the literature from 2006-10. Pike, Joanne;
British Journal of Nursing (BJN), 2011 Jun 24; 20 (12): 743-9
Abstract: Spirituality in nursing care has been discussed for many years in the nursing press. There has been no literature review that explores only UK literature, and this article updates a literature review carried out in 2006 (Ross, 2006).
Aim: The review was designed to investigate the current nursing evidence underpinning the concept of spirituality and its application.
Method: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken and a thematic analysis performed following a search for literature using defined dates, databases and search terms.
Results: Four major themes emerged from the literature: concept clarification; spiritual care-giving; religion and spirituality; and nurse education. Conclusion: Definitions of spiritual care vary, and the concept of spirituality in nursing is still under development. However, until a common language of spirituality is developed, models of spiritual care developed through research involving mainly nursing staff will be difficult for nurses to apply.
