Religious beliefs can significantly influence end-of-life (EOL) decisions, offering both comfort and potential sources of distress for Christian patients. These beliefs may lead to choices that prioritize spiritual peace over quality of life, sometimes resulting in aggressive EOL care that may not improve longevity. Cognitive dissonance can arise when the patient’s faith and medical options conflict, creating further emotional complexity. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical personnel, ministry leaders, and coaches will discuss the essentials for addressing these concerns, and the conversations that often don’t take place in healthcare systems with multiple clinicians involved. Participants will explore how professionals can play a crucial role in facilitating these discussions, focusing on the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and EOL care. Additionally, participants will address the principles of advance care planning to identify areas of existential distress, while developing strategies to build collaborative care teams with palliative care providers to ensure comprehensive, coordinated support for patients and families.
616 | End of Life Concerns: The Importance of Palliative Care Psychology in a Collaborative Care Team Model
PRESENTERS
Pamela Pyle
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling , AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, AOA Category 2A Credits, Georgia Nurses Association, AAFP
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Examine the impact of religious beliefs on end-of-life decisions, particularly how Christian patients' faith influences their choices regarding aggressive care, and understand the potential for cognitive dissonance between spiritual values and medical options.
2 Apply principles of advance care planning to initiate faith-sensitive discussions around existential distress, equipping participants to address emotional and spiritual concerns that may arise during the end-of-life process.
3 Develop strategies for forming collaborative care teams with palliative care providers, ensuring an integrated, coordinated approach to supporting patients and families while respecting spiritual and psychological needs.