Instrumentos de medida no domínio da espiritualidade em saúde disponíveis para a prática de clínica em Portugal

The assessment of spirituality in health care requires the use of reliable instruments capable of operationalizing an inherently subjective and complex construct. By its nature, spirituality encompasses intimate, existential, and cultural dimensions that go beyond biomedical parameters and are influenced by beliefs, values, religious practices, meaning in life, hope, and resilience. Given its multifaceted character, clinical assessment may rely on instruments specifically designed to measure spirituality, as well as on scales that address related constructs such as religiosity, spiritual coping, spiritual well-being, and meaning in life. In Portugal, over the past two decades, several instruments have been adapted and validated for use in different health care contexts, including oncology, palliative care, primary care, and mental health. The integration of these instruments into clinical practice enables the identification of spiritual needs and distress, guides tailored interventions, and supports a holistic, person-centered approach to care.