Spiritual care is an integral component of the National Palliative Care Standards in Australia, yet its delivery remains inconsistent across healthcare settings. This inconsistency is particularly evident in end-of-life care, where spiritual well-being can profoundly impact the quality of life. Despite its inclusion in national standards, spiritual care is often relegated to volunteers or other healthcare professionals who may be lacking specialised training. The Spiritual Health Association posits that a dedicated, professional spiritual care workforce is essential for providing consistent, culturally competent, and person-centred spiritual care. Drawing on research, testimonials, and case studies, this presentation aims to challenge and inspire healthcare providers to recognize the discrepancies in current practices and advocate for a professional approach to spiritual care. The presentation will explore the role of spiritual care in holistic palliative care, the benefits of a specialized spiritual care workforce, and will offer actionable steps for organizations to integrate a contemporary model of professional spiritual care into their services. Attendees will be left with a thought-provoking challenge to reflect on their role in elevating the quality of spiritual care in palliative settings. 

Presentation Themes: Models of care – implications for the future & Workforce - the who, what, and how