جزیره علم

PURPOSE In this paper, we explain how this strategic triad figures the attitude of patients with cancer and their families and how it affects their behaviors.
METHODS In a descriptive-analytic study, we analyzed spiritual caring and consulting data among 1500 patients with cancer and their families in the palliative unit of a special hospital affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences since 2010.
RESULTS Our triad includes:
1) Patient-Physician-God Relation answers this question: how health care takers (patients and their families) relates to health care givers (physician, nurse, pastor, psychologist, or etc), and how them relates to the God (as the source of life and health)? For spiritual care, we relate all events in the world in line with God`s will. So, a patient relates to a physician and both relate to the God. Therefore, healing or cure is a God`s will in addition to disease or illness. In this regard, physician mediates God`s will and does not sell health service, and patient is a medium of God`s will and does not consume health service. These developed transcended relations holistically approach to human structured from multilevel exists; cosmic system vs. personal system (sole, mind, and body). These relations override bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model which because of reduction from holism, failed to recognize human as a whole.
2) Theory of Disease answers the second question: what theory of disease we, our patients or their families accept? We know that; a) different theories of disease accompanies with different epistemology, b) within different theories, theological theory of disease focuses on God`s will. Then, theological theory of disease represents different epistemology and can set numerous reasons causing or affecting a disease. These reasons act in both horizontal and transcended levels as bio-social factors and as spiritual factors, respectively. Therefore, accepting disease as a God`s will expands thought, develops attitude, and enhances quality of life.
3) Religious or Judicial Responsibility answers the third question: how shall patients or their families proceed? And when they finish their responsibility? When we argue for patient`s family how they should proceed although cancer is not cured, they accept that they are not judicially responsible more and lose their distress and anxiety, experience more hope, view their functions as religious responsibility, and adjust their health behaviors such as seeking for therapies. The best spiritual satisfactory was achieved when we implemented the above strategic triad in our pastoral care. This triad reveals with our patient context and society (Shi`a Muslims) and depends on their faith.