A Brief Spiritual Screening Conversation

Three openings

• "What helps you get through hard times?"
• "Is faith, spirituality or something else important to you right now?"
• "Is anything weighing on you that you'd like to talk about?"

Listen for

• Sources of strength and meaning
• Signs of spiritual distress: guilt, fear, feeling abandoned, loss of meaning
• Unfinished business or relationships
• Rituals or community connections they want honored

Documenting it

Record what the patient said in their own words where you can, the need you identified, what you offered, and the plan. Connect each note to the patient's stated goals. Always follow your organization's policies and current regulations.