Spirituality in health care: The role of needs in critical care

Summary Thanks to the principles of holistic medicine, the patient is increasingly being considered as a body–mind integrated system with a very strong connection between organ functions and psycho-emotional aspects. The term spirituality expresses a very wide concept that goes beyond the actual religious scope and covers many aspects of the most intimate and private sphere of an individual. Contrary to what happens in palliative medicine, in ICU these aspects are often overlooked, even though there is increasing awareness of the importance of the spiritual aspect, which is able to influence the compliance of critically ill patients and their families in the acceptance of treatment dynamics, in adapting to the ICU environment, and in managing such a stressful experience in general. Spiritual care seems important not just for the patient, but also for both family members, who have to manage dramatic events in very stressful conditions and make immediate decisions, and medical staff as it seems to increase professional performance and well-being.