INSS abstract 2021 KM

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brings well-publicised consequences for mental health, amplified by isolation and reduced communication (such as occurs post-stroke or other acquired illness, in the early stages of dementia or as part of normal ageing). The parallel impact on spiritual health and wellbeing is less well recognised, especially when spirituality is taboo or low priority. Aspiring to person-centred and holistic rehabilitation or care requires a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model. In the context of COVID-19, goal-setting that takes account of spiritual needs is important for long-term recovery and adjustment. A spirituality toolkit called WELLHEAD, comprising structured word and picture resources, and suitable for adoption by health and care professionals, was designed, developed and tested for feasibility collaboratively with people who had communication impairments (aphasia) using mixed methods (Mumby, 2020). Interpretive analysis of interviews and numerical outcomes informed in-depth studies with ten people with aphasia having a wide range of impairment and religious background or life view. Those original findings demonstrated the acceptability, accessibility and impact of WELLHEAD, and alignment with an existing measure of spiritual health and wellbeing (SHALOM Fisher, 2010) previously untested with this population, giving a platform for further development. Using life review of 'meaning and purpose' encapsulating spiritual health and wellbeing, WELLHEAD now offers communication-friendly supported assessment and intervention within a one-to-one interview suitable for telehealth, incorporating patient-centred goals and outcome measures. Preliminary investigations with older people without aphasia confirm WELLHEAD's wider application in the context of the pandemic. Participants valued shared reflection and practical goal-setting even when using online platforms. Telehealth requires some computer literacy in participants, but the approach has been welcomed by those who are vulnerable to infection. Excellent scope for adopting WELLHEAD exists within health and care services, for use by AHPs, members of chaplaincy teams and trained volunteers as part of goal-setting, intervention and evaluation.

Full text

INSS online conference June 2021
Promoting spiritual health and wellbeing via ‘WELLHEAD’
videoconferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Katharyn Mumby kath@new-pathways.co.uk
The COVID-19 pandemic brings well-publicised consequences for mental health, amplified
by isolation and reduced communication (such as occurs post-stroke or other acquired
illness, in the early stages of dementia or as part of normal ageing). The parallel impact on
spiritual health and wellbeing is less well recognised, especially when spirituality is taboo or
low priority. Aspiring to person-centred and holistic rehabilitation or care requires a bio-
psycho-socio-spiritual model. In the context of COVID-19, goal-setting that takes account of
spiritual needs is important for long-term recovery and adjustment.
A spirituality toolkit called WELLHEAD, comprising structured word and picture resources,
and suitable for adoption by health and care professionals, was designed, developed and
tested for feasibility collaboratively with people who had communication impairments
(aphasia) using mixed methods (Mumby, 2020). Interpretive analysis of interviews and
numerical outcomes informed in-depth studies with ten people with aphasia having a wide
range of impairment and religious background or life view. Those original findings
demonstrated the acceptability, accessibility and impact of WELLHEAD, and alignment with
an existing measure of spiritual health and wellbeing (SHALOM Fisher, 2010) previously
untested with this population, giving a platform for further development.
Using life review of ‘meaning and purpose’ encapsulating spiritual health and wellbeing,
WELLHEAD now offers communication-friendly supported assessment and intervention
within a one-to-one interview suitable for telehealth, incorporating patient-centred goals
and outcome measures. Preliminary investigations with older people without aphasia
confirm WELLHEAD’s wider application in the context of the pandemic. Participants valued
shared reflection and practical goal-setting even when using online platforms. Telehealth
requires some computer literacy in participants, but the approach has been welcomed by
those who are vulnerable to infection.
Excellent scope for adopting WELLHEAD exists within health and care services, for use by
AHPs, members of chaplaincy teams and trained volunteers as part of goal-setting,
intervention and evaluation.