Kosish Declaration

The following recommendations have been formulated at the “First National Symposium on Integrating Spirituality & Religiosity into Clinical Practice: the way forward”, which was held on 2 September at Kosish-the Hospice in Bokaro, Jharkhand. This was a joint effort by Kosish, The Indian Association of Palliative Care(IAPC) and SANDHI, IIT Kharagpur.

• We acknowledge that spirituality, religiosity, cultural beliefs and practices are important elements of health and well being.
• There is a need to incorporate awareness of spirituality, religiosity, cultural beliefs and practices into the care of the patients.
• We acknowledge the need to respond not only to the physical needs that occur at the end of life but also to the emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs, thus fulfilling the concept of ‘holistic care’
• An understanding and acknowledgment of the spiritual dimension of people’s lives and honoring their dignity, paves the path for compassionate caregiving.
• Spiritual care should be integral to a compassionate and patient-centered healthcare system model of care.
• The ‘planning’ of the caregiving process should comprise of a complete assessment of the patient’s and family needs including their spiritual status.
• Spiritual distress should be addressed regularly eg as an integral part of the ‘Distress Thermometer’ and analysed further to determine spiritual needs and action needed.
• Spiritual distress or religious struggle should be treated with the same intent and urgency as treatment for pain or any other medical condition.
• Spiritual care models should be interdisciplinary involving trained healthcare professionals, trained religious leaders, social workers and volunteers.
• Spiritual counseling services must be available to both the individual and the family.