Spiritual growth following mechanical ventilation: A phenomenological study

[摘要] Attending to the spiritual needs of patients who are faced with life-threatening diseases is crucial in the modern age. The present study was conducted to explain spiritual growth in patients following mechanical ventilation using a descriptive phenomenological approach. The present qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was conducted through semi-structured interviews held with seven patients undergoing intubation at anICU and selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Three themes were extracted from the analysis of the interviews, including spiritual growth, intubation to help connect with the supernatural, seeking help from God and resorting to offerings. Life-threatening diseases and their tribulations strengthen intubated patients' faith, and religious beliefs act as a powerful source for overcoming the misery of illness. Spiritual care can therefore be used in the treatment of critically-ill patients.

[学科分类] 药理学