Studies
| Study Title: | Exploring spiritual care experiences among neurological patients in Saskatoon: A qualitative exploratory study |
| Rationale: | People with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis experience significant physical, psychological, social, and existential challenges. Although spiritual care can support coping, hope, and meaning making in life, very limited research has explored how neurological patients themselves experience spiritual care. This study will address this gap by exploring patients’ experiences of spiritual care during hospitalization in Saskatoon and identify opportunities to support more holistic, person-centred neurological care. |
| Study Description: |
This study will explore the experiences of people with neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, regarding spiritual care they received or engaged during hospitalization in Saskatoon hospitals. Spiritual care, for this study purposes, is not necessarily related to religion, and it can take many forms (e.g., going to the chapel, engaging in mediation, visiting with the chaplain, smudging, etc.). Participants will take part in one semi-structured interview conducted online through Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The interview will last up to 45 minutes and will be audio-recorded with participants’ permission. The interviews will be transcribed and analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis as described by Braun and Clarke to identify common themes. The findings from this study will help to improve understanding of patients’ experiences of spiritual care and may even support the development of more holistic and person-centred neurological care in the future. |
| Recruitment Dates: | 2026-08-01 to 2027-09-30 |
| Who can participate: | Adults aged 18 years or older who are diagnosed with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injury within past 5 years. Individuals who have received/engaged in any one spiritual care services while in St. Paul’s Hospital, Royal University Hospital or Saskatoon City Hospital and are able to communicate in English. |
| Trial Institution: | University of Saskatchewan |
| Trial Investigator: | Prof. Dr. Hope Jervis-Rademeyer |
| Contact Information: | fda042@mail.usask.ca |
| Trial Funding: | Not funded |