Patients’ perception and needs of spiritual care: A qualitative study in the context of prolonged hospitalizations

Spiritual care is recognized as a core component of holistic nursing, particularly for patients experiencing prolonged hospitalization. Extended hospital stays may intensify spiritual needs by disrupting daily routines, limiting engagement in religious practices, and increasing existential distress. However, empirical evidence on patients’ spiritual care needs and their perceptions of nursing practices remains limited. This study aimed to explore patients’ spiritual care needs during prolonged h