Experience of heart failure patients’ in meeting spiritual needs during hospitalization: a Muslim perspective

Introduction: Spirituality plays an essential role in the care of heart failure (HF) patients. However, little is known about whether a patients’ spiritual needs have been met during hospitalization. This study aimed to explore the experience of HF patients in meeting spiritual needs during hospitalization. Methods: The study was conducted at a governmental hospital in East Java, Indonesia, using a descriptive exploratory design with a qualitative approach. The population of this study was patients with HF who were obtained through a purposive sampling technique. The data were collected from fifteen participants through interviews and field notes. Results: The thematic analysis resulted in six big themes, which are perception about spirituality, the form of spirituality, the importance of spirituality for patients, obstacles in meeting spiritual needs, patient’s perception of the nurse’s role, and patients’ hope. Conclusion: Muslim HF patients perceived that spirituality and religiosity were an integral part. Nurses should help patients meet spiritual needs by reminding and facilitating worship as a form of HF Muslim spirituality.