Building holistic health using Quran-based spiritual therapy application media for chronic disease patients in intensive care units

Background & objective: In the implementation of "Aplikasi Terapi Al-Quran (ATAQ)" (in English: Al-Quran Therapy Application) in the ICU, Kendari City Hospital, Indonesia, it is realized that each patient with chronic disease is a unique person, who certainly has a different response to their disease and to ATAQ. This study aimed to explore the meaning felt by patients with chronic disease after implementing ATAQ. Methodology: This case series is part of a research project on ATAQ testing, involving 3 patients in the ICU. After all patients received an explanation and gave their consent, spiritual therapy using ATAQ was carried out every morning and evening and continued for 3 months. During the therapy process, in-depth interviews were conducted about the important meaning felt by each patient about the changes that occurred in him/her after undergoing spiritual therapy using ATAQ. In addition, observations were also made on the patient's condition. The data obtained were analyzed thematically, then presented narratively. Results: The results of the study on the three patients were as follows. The first patient looked fresher. He promised to be disciplined in performing prayers, which were previously not routinely done, could sleep soundly every night, the feeling of tightness decreased, but the stomach pain was still felt. In the last days, he stated that he was much calmer and his mind was more open. The second patient also looked fitter with a radiant red face. He felt that his sleep quality had improved, his anxiety had decreased, he could accept his illness, the pain had decreased slightly, and his appetite had improved. On the last day, he expressed his gratitude. The third patient was initially not interested in ATAQ. After discussing, the patient finally agreed to undergo therapy using ATAQ. He felt calmer and always cried with emotion every time he underwent therapy, felt more comfortable and peaceful, and regretted having previously refused therapy. Conclusion: With spiritual therapy using ATAQ, patients with chronic diseases feel healthier holistically; both physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually; so, they can adapt better to their condition. Abbreviations: ‘ATAQ’: Aplikasi Terapi Al-Quran; ICU: Intensive care unit Keywords: Patients; Chronic Diseases; Holistic Health; Quran-Based Spiritual Therapy; Intensive Care Unit Citation: Rosyanti L, Nugroho HSW, Hadi I. Building holistic health using Quran-based spiritual therapy application media for chronic disease patients in intensive care units. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(2):337-340. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v29i2.2725 Received: July 30, 2024; Reviewed: October 26, 2024; Accepted: February 04, 2025