1. Spirituality

2. HOPE
H sources of hope, meaning, comfort, strength, peace, love, connection O organised religion P personal spirituality practices E effects on medical care and end of life issues

3. H of HOPE What are your sources of hope, strength, comfort and peace?
Questions to ask:
What are your sources of hope, strength, comfort and peace?
What do you hold onto during difficult times?
What sustains you and keeps you going?

4. For some people, their religious or spiritual beliefs act as a source of comfort and strength in dealing with life’s ups and downs. Is this true for you?
If the answer ‘Yes’ go onto the O and P questions.
If the answer is ‘No’ consider asking: Was it ever? Then, if the answer is ‘Yes’ ask: What has changed? If, after this, the answer is still ‘No', go on to the P questions.

5. O of HOPE Do you consider yourself part of organised religion?
Questions to ask:
Do you consider yourself part of organised religion?
How important is this to you?
What aspects of your religion are helpful and not so helpful?
Are you part of a religious or spiritual community?
Does it help you? How?

6. P of HOPE Questions to ask:
Do you have any spiritual beliefs? What are they?
What aspects of your spirituality/spiritual practices do you find most helpful?
If you do not think you have any spiritual beliefs, consider your answer to the 'H' questions. Are there any particular things which you do to nurture your sources of hope and meaning?

7. E of HOPE
Has being sick affected your ability to do the things that usually help you spiritually?
Is there something that I can do to help you access the resources that usually help you?
Are you worried about any conflicts between your beliefs and your medical situation/decisions?
Are there any specific restrictions or practices that I should know about in providing your medical care?
Would it be helpful to speak with a chaplain/community spiritual leader?

8. If the person is dying, you might ask:
How do your beliefs affect the kind of medical care you would like me to provide over the next few days/weeks/months?