The Joint Commission provides example questions that could be but are not required in a spiritual assessment. Northern Chaplain Services references those questions when meeting with the patient or his/her family:
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Who or what provides the patient with strength and hope?
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Does the patient use prayer in their life?
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How does the patient express their spirituality?
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How would the patient describe their philosophy of life?
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What type of spiritual/religious support does the patient desire?
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What is the name of the patient’s clergy, ministers, chaplains, pastor, rabbi?
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What does suffering mean to the patient?
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What does dying mean to the patient?
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What are the patient’s spiritual goals?
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Is there a role of church/synagogue in the patient’s life?
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How does your faith help the patient cope with illness?
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How does the patient keep going day after day?
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What helps the patient get through this health care experience?
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How has illness affected the patient and his/her family?