Transforming Clinical Practice into Meaningful Care: Spiritual Awareness Among Palliative Care Professionals

Abstract

Introduction. Spirituality is widely recognised as a fundamental dimension of palliative care alongside physical, psychological, and social aspects. Yet little is known about how healthcare professionals develop spiritual awareness in everyday clinical practice. Professionals working in palliative care are constantly exposed to profound suffering and existential questions related to illness and the end of life, experiences that go beyond the technical dimension of care. This study explored how spiritual awareness evolves among healthcare professionals involved in palliative care.

Methods. A Constructivist Grounded Theory approach (Charmaz) guided the study. Semi-structured narrative interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working in hospice, oncology, and palliative care settings in Northern Italy. Data were analysed through iterative coding until theoretical saturation.

Results. Fifteen professionals participated. The core category, Transforming the everyday into something meaningful, emerged through six interconnected dimensions: patient-centred relationships, emotional proximity, team reflection, professional and personal transformation, increased sensitivity to spirituality, and spirituality as a resource in everyday care.

Discussion. Findings highlight a transformative process in which exposure to suffering deepens spiritual awareness and reshapes professional practice, supporting the integration of spiritual care in palliative settings.