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Evaluation of a Spiritual History with Elderly Multi-Morbid Patients in General Practice—A Mixed-Methods Study within the Project HoPES3

Author

Listed:
  • Ruth Mächler

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Professorship for Spiritual Care and Psychosomatic Health, Technical University of Munich, Langerstr. 3, 81675 Munich, Germany
    Ruth Mächler (R.M.) is also the guarantor for the integrity of the data on which the article is based.)

  • Noemi Sturm

    (Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Eckhard Frick

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Professorship for Spiritual Care and Psychosomatic Health, Technical University of Munich, Langerstr. 3, 81675 Munich, Germany)

  • Friederike Schalhorn

    (Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Regina Stolz

    (Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Jan Valentini

    (Institute of General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Johannes Krisam

    (Institute of Medical Biometry, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Cornelia Straßner

    (Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

Abstract

Background: The “Holistic Care Program for Elderly Patients to Integrate Spiritual Needs, Social Activity and Self-Care into Disease Management in Primary Care” (HoPES3) examines the implementation of a spiritual history (SH) as part of a multifaceted intervention in German general practices. While the effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated in a cluster-randomized trial, this article investigates the patients’ views concerning the acceptability of the SH and its effects. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in which 133 patients of the intervention group filled in a standardized questionnaire after the intervention. Later, 29 of these patients took part in qualitative semi-standardized interviews. Results: According to the survey, 63% ( n = 77) of patients found the SH helpful. In the interviews, however, many indicated that they either kept the conversation brief or declined the offer to talk about spirituality. Contents of longer conversations referred to difficult life events, personal sources of strength, and experiences with religious institutions. Many patients who had a longer conversation about spirituality reported that their relationship with their general practitioner (GP) had improved. Almost all patients recommended integrating a personal conversation of this kind into primary care. Conclusions: The SH seems to be a possible ‘door opener’ for a trusting doctor-patient relationship, which can then be built upon.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruth Mächler & Noemi Sturm & Eckhard Frick & Friederike Schalhorn & Regina Stolz & Jan Valentini & Johannes Krisam & Cornelia Straßner, 2022. "Evaluation of a Spiritual History with Elderly Multi-Morbid Patients in General Practice—A Mixed-Methods Study within the Project HoPES3," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:1:p:538-:d:717295
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Coyle, Lindsay-Ann & Atkinson, Sarah, 2018. "Imagined futures in living with multiple conditions: Positivity, relationality and hopelessness," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 53-60.
    2. André Hajek & Benedikt Kretzler & Hans-Helmut König, 2020. "Multimorbidity, Loneliness, and Social Isolation. A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-12, November.
    3. Carlos Seiça Cardoso & Filipe Prazeres & Beatriz Xavier & Bárbara Gomes, 2021. "Family Physicians’ Perspectives on Their Role in Palliative Care: A Double Focus Group in Portugal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-12, July.
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