Hospital chaplains’ communication with patients: Characteristics, functions and potential benefits

Abstract

ObjectiveHospital chaplains communicate with patients concerning spirituality/religion, but many aspects of their interactions have received little attention. MethodsTelephone qualitative interviews of ~1 h each were conducted with chaplains and analyzed, drawing on grounded theory. ResultsWe interviewed 21 U.S. chaplains. Chaplains have relatively unique characteristics, having relatively more time to spend with patients, and less rigid and less medicalized agendas, while gaining respect/trust as religious figures. Chaplains can thus provide several critical beneficial functions – e.g., obtaining key information from patients/families that can help with decision-making and with diagnosis and treatment, and conveying medical providers’ points of view to patients/families. Consequently, chaplains can serve as mediators between patients/families and providers; and also overcome staff biases and “labelling” of patients, and pursue or encourage psychological interventions, in part because psychotherapists are often unavailable. ConclusionWhile past research suggested certain ways how chaplains might benefit hospitals, these professionals can aid these institutions and improve patient care in additional vital, tangible ways. Practical implicationsHospital administrators, chaplaincy departments, doctors, nurses and others should more fully recognize, encourage and facilitate these functions. Targeted improvements in practice and education can help achieve these goals. The findings suggest, too, several specific questions for further investigation.