A study on the perception and need for spiritual support in hospitals (Bolu example)

The aim of this study is to determine the perception of spiritual support and spirituality levels of patients, relatives and healthcare professionals in the hospital environment in Bolu in terms of various variables. The sample of the study consists of a total of 300 participants, including 130 healthcare workers working at Izzet Baysal State Hospital in Bolu and 170 patients and patient relatives who have undergone the treatment process. Personal information form to determine the demographic characteristics of the participants (age, gender, marital status, income perception, education status, social environment, location in the hospital), Spirituality Scale to measure their level of spirituality and Perception of Spiritual Support (MDA) to determine the perception and need of spiritual support. A questionnaire including the scale was used. SPSS Windows 25.0 pro-gram was used for data analysis. Nonparametric tests, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis analysis, Bonferroni method and Spearman correlation analysis were used in the analysis of the findings. According to the findings, statistically significant differences were determined between the demo-graphic variables of the participants, such as age, gender, marital status, education level, income level, social environment, location in the hospital, and MDA and spirituality levels. These differ-ences have been evaluated in detail under two headings: healthcare professionals and patients, and patient relatives. It was concluded that the spiritual support perception and spirituality levels of the participants were above average. In addition, according to the data obtained from the research, a positive positive relationship was found between MDA and spirituality levels. While the rate of those who were previously aware of the spiritual support service in the field of health in Bolu was slightly above the average in healthcare workers, this rate was lower than the average in patients and their relatives. According to the results of the research, it was concluded that healthcare workers, patients and their relatives need spiritual support in the hospital environment as a requirement of holistic health services. As a result of this need, it has been concluded that it is important to assign a spiritual counselor who can be consulted in the hospital environment.