A protocol on integration of spiritual care in nursing education: A scoping review of the nursing curriculum in Ghana

Abstract Spiritual care is an essential component of holistic nursing practice, recognized for its role in improving patient well-being and coping mechanisms. Despite its importance, the extent to which spiritual care is integrated into nursing education varies globally. In Ghana, where spirituality significantly influences healthcare, there is limited evidence on how nursing curricula address spiritual care. This scoping review protocol aims to explore the extent to which spiritual care is incorporated into the Ghanaian nursing curriculum and identify gaps in its integration. The review will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework, enhanced by Levac et al. (2010) and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches will be conducted in databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, including grey literature. Two independent reviewers will screen eligible studies using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data will be extracted and thematically analyzed. The review will offer a comprehensive overview of how spiritual care is addressed in Ghanaian nursing education, highlighting frameworks, challenges, and gaps. The findings will inform curriculum development, policymaking, and future research. This scoping review will provide insights into spiritual care education in Ghana, supporting the case for structured inclusion in nursing curricula.