For Health Care Professionals

Symptoms Assessment Tools - Spiritual

FICA Spiritual Assessment Tool

Summary

The FICA Spiritual History Tool was an acronym developed by Dr. Puchalski and a group of primary care physicians to equip physicians and other healthcare professionals with a tool to address spiritual issues with patients. Spiritual histories are taken as part of the regular history during an annual exam or new patient visit, but can also be taken as part of follow-up visits, as appropriate. The acronym follows as a guide for conversations in the clinical setting by addressing: F - Faith and Belief; I – Importance; C – Community; A – how can the clinician Address this in the patient’s care.

Tool

FICA Spiritual Assessment Tool

References

Puchalski C (2006), Spiritual Assessment in Clinical Practice Psychiatric annals; Psychology Module 36 (3): 150.

Puchalski C, Romer AL, (2000) Taking Spiritual History Allows Clinicians to Understand Patients More Fully; Journal of Palliative Medicine 3(1): 129–137.

Current as of: April 6, 2015

Author: Provincial Palliative and End-of-Life Care, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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