Spirituality and the care of people with life-threatening illnesses

Pain management requires attention to a variety of issues that can influence a person's perception and experience. For individuals facing a life-limiting illness, spirituality may be a major element in the way these people experience their illness. Spirituality may be expressed in a variety of ways, but it represents a basic human experience where individuals seek understanding, meaning, and strength. A serious illness always carries with it profound questions of meaning. Spiritual experience can be a way to find peace or it can be painful, confusing, and difficult. Physicians who treat pain should be aware of spirituality as part of their assessment of people who seek their care, especially those who have a life-threatening illness. This does not require the development of a new skill set for physicians but an extension of basic history and listening skills. What may be most challenging for doctors is not the spiritual experience of those for whom they care, but recognizing their own spiritual journey both as individuals and as professionals who care for those facing death.