Table 3 Results – Overview

Function

Deontic Aspects (Need to discuss spiritual issues)

Healing on a spiritual-psychological level is important. However, there are more important aspects in the structuring of the conversation.

CPP expect treatment primarily in a mechanistic-scientific manner.

HCP should be more open to non-medical concerns.

CPP want to be perceived as integral human beings.

Voluntaristic Aspects

(Request to discuss spiritual aspects issues)

HCP tend not to deal with spiritual issues or to express effort in this regard.

CPP would rather not talk to HCP about spiritual issues.

HCP should pay more attention to spiritual (and related) needs.

CPP want to have the opportunity to talk with HCP about spiritual issues.

Structure

Temporal Aspects

(When to discuss spiritual issues)

Initiative for a discussion about spiritual issues must come from CPP - but generally still comes from HCP.

Religious-spiritual needs should be clarified as early as possible - possibly as soon as in the first contact. However, the exact timing must be determined individually.

Religious-spiritual needs should be clarified as early as possible. However, the exact timing must be determined individually.

Initiative for a conversation about spiritual issues must come from CPP or HCP - but generally comes from CPP.

Modal Aspects

(How to discuss spiritual issues)

The question of spiritual needs should be asked as openly as possible - but the transition to the conversation makes the HCP feel insecure, as does the conversation itself.An openness on the part of the HCP with regard to other attitudes is essential.

CPP want spiritual-religious help. This can, but need not necessarily, be conducted from a neutral point of view.

HCP are challenged in conversations about spiritual matters. In the conversation, the HCP should remain neutral and open regarding other attitudes of life.

CPP are grateful for religious-spiritual help, if desired.

Context

Causal Aspects

(Why to discuss spiritual issues)

Enduring the situation together with the CPP is part of the therapy - spiritual issues can / could be directly integrated into the treatment of the CPP. HCP must understand CPP in order to contribute optimally to healing.

Spirituality is an important aspect of chronic pain:

Spiritual interpretation of chronic pain can positively or negatively influence suffering and the healing process.

Enduring the situation together with the CPP is part of the therapy. HCP should indicate (spiritual) resources and enable a link between medicine and spirituality.HCP must understand CPP in order to contribute optimally to healing.

Spirituality is an important aspect of chronic pain: Chronic pain affects people in many different areas of life. Spiritual issues are an important, healing support.

Conditional Aspects

(Under which circumstances to discuss spiritual issues)

Active willingness to engage in spiritual dialogue must be demonstrated on a basis of trust.

For meaningful therapy, CPP must have realistic healing expectations and honestly express their needs.

HCP must actively demonstrate a willingness to engage in spiritual conversations on a basis of trust and be able to endure the situation along with the patient.

For meaningful conversations about spiritual issues, CPP must be reflective, open and honest.