It Takes a Village: Sources of Spiritual Care in Hospice That Support the Well-being of African-American Hospice Patients and Their Caregivers in the USA.

Résumé

Spiritual care offers significant benefits to hospice patients and caregivers. However, disparities exist in the perceived quality of spiritual care among African-American caregivers. We interviewed bereaved caregivers of African-American decedents, their chaplains and clergy, and conducted a medical record review to explore the sources of spiritual care that support well-being for African-American patients and caregivers in hospice. We found that both chaplains and clergy supported social and spiritual well-being, whereas other hospice team members were seen as responsible for the hospice environment and physical well-being. Church congregations and families were most involved in providing social and emotional support.