The spiritual needs of older people with mental health problems in hospital can largely be met via providing good person-centred care

ABSTRACT NHS policy stipulates that clinicians must provide spiritual care for older people with mental health problems in UK hospitals, however little qualitative research has focused upon this. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore how clinicians understand ‘spirituality’ and operationalise ‘spiritual care’. A spectrum of understanding and value was found, with most participants asserting that they already meet most patients’ spiritual needs via person-centred care. Systemic problems were identified as influencing the NHS spiritual care agenda and psychological theory was applied to better understand the barriers towards providing spiritual care. Finally, recommendations to enhance clinical practice were made.