Healing Communication: A Precision Instrument for Spiritual Care

Objective To describe holistic, empathic, and person-centered approaches to communication and apply these to the context of oncology nurse-provided responses to patients’ expressions of spiritual concern. Data Sources Conceptual, empirical, and practice literature about communication, primarily from the disciplines of psychology and communication sciences, is resourced to inform this practice-oriented discussion. Conclusion Holistic, empathetic, and person-centered models for communication are complementary, and although there is overlap, there is also distinct value added from each. Implications for Nursing Practice Each model offers excellent guidance for nurses seeking to provide a therapeutic verbal response during spiritual care for people affected by cancer.