Spiritual care in a multi-religious context.

Spiritual care is an essential component of palliative care because spirituality is an important part of suffering and the relief of pain and suffering. It is especially important in the developing world where medical and comfort resources are limited. Spiritual resources in the context of many religions are described. Understanding pain from a spiritual perspective and approaches when spiritual resources appear ineffective are discussed. The role of spiritual resources in end-of-life care are described in the context of taking a spiritual inventory. The importance of all palliative care clinicians understanding these concepts is emphasized.