Spirituality in Australian Health Professional Practice: A Scoping Review and Qualitative Synthesis of Findings

This study explores how spirituality is integrated into practice across the different Australian health professions. Utilising the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) protocol, six databases were searched, and sixty-seven articles were finally included. To present the findings, a qualitative synthesis was used. 'Meaning' and 'purpose in life' were found to be key to many spirituality definitions. The most frequently reported approach for Australian health professionals (HPs) in asking about client spirituality was using one or two questions within a comprehensive assessment. Major facilitators included a holistic care approach and prior training, whereas a key barrier was a lack of time.

Automated summary

This study investigates how spirituality is incorporated into the practice of various health professions in Australia. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) protocol was used to search six databases, resulting in a final inclusion of sixty-seven articles. A qualitative synthesis was conducted to present the findings. 'Meaning' and 'purpose in life' were identified as key elements in many spirituality definitions. Australian health professionals commonly use one or two questions within a comprehensive assessment to inquire about client spirituality. Major facilitators include a holistic care approach and prior training, while a lack of time is identified as a key barrier.