Abstract:

The aim of this presentation is to illustrate how research based evidence can foster better community relations and professional practice in the context of evidence based practice. The words spirituality, religion, culture, ethnicity and diversity can be ugly notions in the context of the London suicide bombings which resulted in loss, devastation, despair, meaninglessness, hopelessness, anger, emptiness and bewilderment. Yet, ironically spirituality, religion, faiths and beliefs, culture and ethnicity can all be sources of comfort, support, hope, meaning and purpose, inspiration and connectedness.
In a way, Transcultural Spirituality is about “Loving the Stranger” in the midst of crisis and spiritual distress. In the caring context health professionals are frequently called upon to show compassion and love for clients in continuity/long term care in midst of crisis and challenges posed by their illness (Narayanasamy 2005). The focus of this proposed presentation, the ACCESS model (Narayanasamy 2003), offers nurses and caring professional a framework to deliver transcultural spiritual care. ACCESS: Represents Assessment, Communication, Cultural Negotiation and Compromise, Empathy and Respect, Sensitivity and Security. The rudiments of the ACCESS Model will be unpacked at this conference. Since its introduction there has been increasing interest on this from health care practitioners (Narayanasamy, 2003). In the institution where this study took place, pre and post-registration nursing students are introduced to this model along with other models of transcultural health care. A significant number of participants (n=166) found the model very useful with respect to its various features. In conclusion, the model offers a useful framework for nurses implementing transcultural care practice. Other health care practitioners may find this model suitable for implementation as well. A powerpoint presentation will be undertaken, if the abstract is accepted.

Keywords:

transcultural spiritual care model.