FiOP’s aim is to develop a stronger understanding of the importance of the spiritual dimension to older people and those who care for them. Fundamental to increasing knowledge, competence and understanding of spiritual care is to ensure that it is embedded in the education and training systems at undergraduate level and in continuing professional development which are incorporated in the indicative component responsibilities for education set out by the Scottish Government for spiritual care. In addition, Scottish Care, NHS Lead Chaplains and FiOP stressed the importance of spiritual care education in its submission to the Scottish Government consultation on the proposed National Care Service.
“It is our contention that spiritual care should be a core element in the holistic, person-centred, and human rights-based care and support which is offered by the new National Care Service. This commitment has implications for the nature of service delivery, the training and education of the workforce and for the resource allocation required to enable it to be effectively delivered”.
The importance of Spiritual Care Education
A background and overview of progress to date
Spiritual Care Matters
Spiritual Care Matters is a free online learning course designed to promote, recognise, respect and support the spiritual well-being of older people. The course is an introduction to spiritual care, exploring how spiritual care is defined, what it means in practice and why it matters. The course uses Open Badges to recognise learning for ongoing staff development.
Scoping reviews of spiritual care in the curriculum for nurses and health and social care staff
Two scoping reviews undertaken by Ruth Aird QGN ONC MSc Ed and Maureen O’Neill BA(Hons), DMS
Spiritual Care Education in Continuing Care units in one health board area in Scotland
A collaborative study between Faith in Older People and NHS Lothian Healthcare Chaplaincy