A Time for Listening and Caring: Spirituality and the Care of the Chronically Ill and Dying [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

The importance of this book is reasonably judged by the fruits in the lives of the patients of Dr. Puchalski. She has been my primary care physician for four years and, by the quality of life which I enjoy as a result, she has every right, every reason to preach about what she practices.

The book is all about wholeness of life. The fact that she is dispensing that to her patients every day in her practice leaves one not surprised to find it defined, described and enthusiastically recommended in this book.

It is a book, not just for healthcare professionals -- although everyone in their care would benefit from their reading it -- it is also for all the rest of us who are healthcare practitioners. After all we practice caring for our health every time we choose a meal in a restaurant or walk to the store rather than drive. We can never receive too much encouragement to make the right decisions.

The subtitle "Spirituality and the Care of the Chronically Ill and Dying" in the end describes all of us. It has been said that being born is a terminal illness. In my case it is easier to recognize as I am 85 with wandering blood pressure readings, skin cancers and prostate cancer.

Dr. Puchalski responds to these bumps on the road with sensitivity, humor and spiritual insights in addition to her professional competence. She dispenses quality of life as she breathes. While I may leave her office with all of the mixed bag I brought with me, the load has shifted because it is now more clearly shared. The book clearly demonstrates how everyone can both practice and enjoy better health and true wholeness of life.

The Publisher has done an excellent job of editing and producing this fine book. It deserves a very wide audience who will benefit greatly from its many treasures.

Reproduced from the Newsletter and Bookshop of the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) at www.hospicecare.com

This is my Palliative Care Book of the Year!

`The relationships we form with our patients, clients, and colleagues are born out of a compassionate connection and call to service. From this connection and call comes forth the healing that is so necessary in all of our lives, whether we are currently ill or not. We are not mechanics, taking care of people's broken parts. We are partners with our patients in a therapeutic relationship from which brings forth potential for healing. That healing may manifest itself as a peacefulness, acceptance, better coping, happiness, or contentment. In the end, a life that may be shattered from illness and stress becomes whole again. By our presence, we serve others and walk with them in the midst of suffering and joy. This is why spirituality is essential to health care.'

This book explores all aspects of the spiritual dimensions of medicine in the management of patients who may be chronically ill or dying. Five of the 24 chapters were written by Puchalski, the others by experienced clinicians, chaplains, caregivers and educators. The first part of the book describes the role of spirituality in the healthcare of adults and children, the ethical aspects of integrating spirituality into the care of patients, and the spirituality of the caregiver. Part II describes the theological implications of spiritual care at the end of life from a number of different perspectives including Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, Hindus, Jews and Muslims. The third part is about practical tools that can be used in clinical practice--spiritual histories, honoring the patient's stories, grief and bereavement, and the role of art, music and dance. The chapter on music therapy is by Michael Stillwater and Gary Malkin who created the wonderful Graceful Passages and Care for the Journey CDs that were reviewed here last year. The closing section presents the stories and reflections of two of Dr Puchalski's patients.

Anybody who works in palliative care will be enriched by reading this book. Although we nod and agree that spiritual care is an important and integral part of holistic palliative medicine, dealing with problems related to spirituality in more than the most superficial way is not easy for many palliative care workers, particularly if their job is busy. If you want to learn about all the other things you can or should be doing at the bedside, read this book. Being able to practice the spiritual dimensions of palliative care will be of benefit to your patients, more of whom will die in peace, with dignity. And it will quite probably enhance the professional satisfaction you get working with the dying.

Thank you, Dr Puchalski.

Roger Woodruff,

Director of Palliative Care, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia

This is a mandatory reading for people who want to know more about themselves, mainly regarding to spiritual aspect.Health professionals will get important orientations about how they wil can improve the relationship with their patients, using spirituality and religion. Christina M. Puchalski, through A Time for Listening an Caring:Spirituality and the Care of the Chronically Ill and Dying have teaching us that patient's belief and faith, take fundamental role at the process of patient's recovery. The book content brings to us many researchs showing outcomes from using spirituality in health care.

I recommend this book.

Ademar Ribeiro

From Brazil