ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the issues around spirituality and palliative care education, taking account both of multi-disciplinary working and of the unique contribution of each healthcare professional. It affirms the importance of each of us recognising our individual potential and learning to define what it is to be fully human. The chapter provides some signposts to help the reader to negotiate the landscape of spirituality, espousing the idea that this is not just about acquiring theoretical knowledge but also involves the whole presence of the professional carer. Patients and carers are clear that they want us to acknowledge and address the spiritual dimension, and our failure to do so actually heightens their distress and affects the way that they perceive the competency of their care. The quality and nature of the interpersonal relationship are critical to the delivery of competent spiritual care. However, the therapeutic relationship requires underpinning skills. These include empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness.
