Integrating Spirituality in Healthcare: Development and Application of a Theory and Measure of the Process of Healthy Change

Healthcare for chronic conditions has been identified as the leading concern regarding financial viability and clinical effectiveness of westernised healthcare systems. There is a need to approach such healthcare in a manner that is evidenced based and client-centred that results in reducing the length of time of consumer dependency on healthcare providers and maximises self-management. This book reports on research that resulted in the development of the Health Change Process Theory (HCPT). The HCPT explains and predicts the process by which a healthy self develops for those experiencing identity trauma following an ill-health event. Subsequent questionnaire development and validation studies resulted in a quantitative holistic assessment tool, congruent with the HCPT; the 28-item QE Health Scale (QEHS). Together, they result in a chronic healthcare approach that directly addresses reducing cost and increasing clinical effectiveness in chronic healthcare. This book will be of interest to healthcare providers, clinicians, health researchers, students, academics and people with chronic conditions.