If a patient declines spiritual care, what is an appropriate action?

• A. Respect decision, document preferences, and offer to involve chaplaincy if desired.
• B. Force discussion.
• C. Ignore decline.
• D. Cancel all spiritual care options.

Answer: (A)

Respecting patient autonomy is the key. When a patient declines spiritual care, the right move is to acknowledge their choice, document their preferences clearly in the medical record, and let them know the option remains available if they ever want to revisit it. Offering to involve chaplaincy or a spiritual care provider later, without pressuring them, keeps the door open for support aligned with their values.

Forcing discussion, ignoring the decline, or canceling all spiritual care options undermines the patient’s autonomy and trust in the care team. It also deprives them of a resource that might be meaningful to them if they decide they want support later.