Barriers and enablers of implementing spiritual care at the end of life: a mixed-methods systematic review using the theoretical domains framework

This systematic review identified barriers and enablers of implementing spiritual care in palliative care to end-of-life patients. Successful implementation requires a paradigm shift from "end-of-life spiritual rescue" toward longitudinal spiritual integration. Clinicians must recognize their role as behavioral catalysts who bridge the gap between patient latent needs and perceived professional boundaries. Policy efforts should focus on multidisciplinary training, the structural normalization of spiritual metrics in clinical systems, and fostering relational continuity within healthcare delivery models.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
BMC Palliative Care
Published
2026-02-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-026-02022-2
Primary Topic
Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Barriers and enablers of implementing spiritual care at the end of life: a mixed-methods systematic review using the theoretical domains framework

Chunhua Pang, Rubing Tang, Fengjuan Zhao, Fanrong Li et al.
BMC Palliative Care
Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
article

Barriers and enablers of implementing spiritual care at the end of life: a mixed-methods systematic review using the theoretical domains framework

Chunhua Pang, Rubing Tang, Fengjuan Zhao, Fanrong Li, Jing Lin, Shuangshuang Wei, Yingyu He, Xuemei You
article en

Abstract

This systematic review identified barriers and enablers of implementing spiritual care in palliative care to end-of-life patients. Successful implementation requires a paradigm shift from "end-of-life spiritual rescue" toward longitudinal spiritual integration. Clinicians must recognize their role as behavioral catalysts who bridge the gap between patient latent needs and perceived professional boundaries. Policy efforts should focus on multidisciplinary training, the structural normalization of spiritual metrics in clinical systems, and fostering relational continuity within healthcare delivery models.

BMC Palliative Care
Guangxi Medical University (CN), First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University (CN), Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 58%
Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.