ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the concept analysis of spiritually competent practice. It draws on the current literature and recent empirical research in occupational therapy into how spirituality is embedded into practice. The chapter addresses the issue of spiritually competent practice in relation to the experiences of patients. It examines professional experience and education and concludes with an overview of frameworks that might be useful to informing practice. The chapter highlights a range of issues relating to spiritual competency across health and care practice. It explores the literature underpinning cultural and spiritual competency from patient and professional perspectives. Embedding spirituality into health and care practice involves: developing a personal understanding of spirituality, acceptance of the individual as unique, ability to relate to patients and develop therapeutic relationships, cultural competency, and education and reflective practice. The process of developing cultural competence is dynamic.
