Lecture room: Árnagarður – 304. Click for a map.
Working institution
Landspitali –The National University Hospital
Abstract
Family work is a prominent factor within palliative care where the emphasis is on providing service for the sick persons and their families. The family is the unit of care and the importance of sustaining family relationships is underlined. In palliative care the concept of total pain is fundamental where the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of pain are evaluated in treating pain and other symptoms. In Iceland, the first specialized Palliative Care Unit was founded at Landspitali – The National University Hospital in 1999. The hospital chaplain is a member of the palliative care team at the unit but pastoral and spiritual care has been one of the cornerstones from the beginning. The main concerns of the pastoral and spiritual care conclude support for individuals, families and staff, pastoral and spiritual rituals, family work, and bereavement support and counseling. Family members have the opportunity to stay with their loved-ones and family connections are still strong within the Icelandic context. The extent of family work requires professional knowledge in various family structures and dynamics as well as different defense reactions that prevail within each family system. A recent study among persons receiving palliative care in Iceland revealed that spirituality is an important aspect in the lives of persons at this stage of life. The findings revealed that spirituality was perceived as a multidimensional aspect containing both religious and non-religious elements. Furthermore, the importance of relationships was underlined i.e. relationship with self, God/a higher being and the family. The relationship with the family had significant spiritual effects. Grief, characteristics of existential and spiritual distress, ideas concerning death and life-after-death were also prominent factors. Quality of life and spiritual well-being were closely connected. The study confirms the importance of attending to spiritual needs and the relevance of pastoral and spiritual work.