Expanding the Scope of Spiritual Care Research in South African Healthcare
This conference aims to explore the critical intersection of religion, spirituality, and healthcare through research, discussion, and practical application. Attendees will engage with leading scholars, healthcare professionals, and faith-based practitioners to advance the integration of spiritual care into healthcare systems.
Spirituality and healthcare have historically relied on and supported one another from the earliest times. However, the more western healthcare started to grow into a specialized scientific field, the more problems this relationship experienced, eventually leading to the separation of these two fields. As medical science became increasingly focused on the physical aspects of healing, the holistic approach that once included spiritual care was pushed aside. Consequently, the spiritual support of patients in hospitals has become a much-neglected area in modern western healthcare where the integration of body, mind, and spirit in patient care is often overlooked.
Spirituality is a vital aspect of holistic health care and contributes significantly to the health and wellbeing of patients. This conference will therefore serve to increase collaboration and partnerships between faith communities and health services, as well as among different academic disciplines, with the aim of stimulating new and innovative ideas to face challenges and enable growth in this area. Additionally, the conference will provide a valuable platform for research presentations, where researchers can showcase their latest findings, share evidence-based practices, and discuss cutting-edge research in the field of religion and spirituality in healthcare. By fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and encouraging the exchange of ideas, this conference will help bridge gaps between theory and practice, ultimately advancing the integration of spiritual care into our healthcare systems.
We will focus on the following Research Questions:
- To what extent can spiritual and religious interventions complement conventional medical treatment, influence healthcare outcomes, and impact the holistic well-being of individuals in South Africa.
- How can spiritual and religious beliefs, including harmful religious practices and views, influence the experience of illness, and how can a deeper understanding of these dynamics lead to improved patient care and better healthcare outcomes?
- How can spiritual education and the personal spirituality of healthcare professionals influence their approach to patient care, and what impact does it have on the effectiveness of spiritual care interventions in healthcare settings?
- How can interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare, spirituality, and other fields, enhance the integration of spiritual care practices in healthcare and improve patient outcomes?
Who should attend?
This conference is open to all individuals working in, researching, or interested in the intersection of religion and spirituality in healthcare. Whether you are a healthcare practitioner, theologian, researcher, academic, or student, this event offers valuable insights into the integration of religion and spirituality into healthcare. We also welcome policymakers and healthcare administrators who play a role in shaping healthcare systems and policies. Faith-based organizations, community leaders, and anyone passionate about advancing holistic patient care are encouraged to attend. This is an inclusive space for dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of innovative ideas to improve healthcare through the integration of religion and spirituality.
Fees and Registration
- To attend, simply complete our online registration form. You can choose to attend one or multiple sessions, including the Research Workshop, 2-Day Conference, Cocktail Dinner, and Post-Conference Workshop.
- We highly recommend attending all sessions to fully engage with the conversations and connections taking place across the 4 days.
- A limited number of scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. Complete the online scholarship application form as well as the online conference registration form to apply for scholarship.
Time: 08:00 - 17:00
Venue: University of Pretoria Future Africa Campus, Pretoria
Contact: Simphiwe Leshabane
Company name: Hospivision (NPO 071-706)
Telephone number: +27 12 329 9492
Email address az.gro.noisivipsoh@ecnerefnoc
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