Spiritual intervention and the ‘LOADS SHARED’ mnemonic

Ian J Hamilton

doi:10.3399/bjgp20X707357

Intended for Healthcare Professionals

I read with interest Dr Macdonald’s article on the ‘LOADS SHARED’ mnemonic¹ and I agree that it would be a useful tool in assessing spiritual needs, especially in patients who neither initially identify as spiritual nor desire spiritual care. GPs are very aware of the modern maladies of loss of wellbeing, obesity, addictive behaviour, depression/anxiety, and social isolation described by Hanlon et al² and could easily identify the spiritual cues of shame/guilt, health (losses), appearance, relationships, employment, and death/bereavement suggested by Macdonald.¹ Furthermore, chaplains in primary and secondary care might also find ‘LOADS SHARED’ a useful mnemonic in providing spiritual care to their patients.

REFERENCES

1.↵
1. Macdonald G
(2019) Br J Gen Pract, Spiritual needs assessment: the ‘LOADS SHARED’ mnemonic. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp19X706505.
2.↵
1. Hanlon P,
2. Carlisle S,
3. Hannah M,
4. et al.
(2011) Making the case for a ‘fifth wave’ in public health. Public Health 125(1):30–36.
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